On Sunday 7 February 2016, a call was received by EUFOR’s Austrian National Contingent Commander (NCC), Colonel Peterlini from the Austrian Defence Attaché (DA) in Sarajevo, Doctor Pesendorfer. The DA had been informed that a serious accident had occurred on the Bjelašnica mountain, so he swung into action to gain the direct support of EUFOR. Without any delay, HQ EUFOR’s Air Operation’s team sought permission from Commander EUFOR, Major General Johann Luif to launch one of the EUFOR Operation ALTHEA’s air assets. Knowing it was a life threating situation, the Commander immediately gave the green light for EUFOR to support this important request.
EUFOR's Alouette III operating in a mountain range
At Camp Butmir, one of EUFOR’s Austrian Army Alouette helicopters took off at 14.30. This quick reaction time was made possible by the aircraft being configured for daylight flying. It took the Air Crew just 25 minutes to reach the scene of the accident; however, the weather conditions where extremely challenging with high winds of 50+ knots causing heavy turbulence around the eastern side of Bjelašnica. The steep terrain throughout that area meant landing EUFOR’s helicopter was simply not possible. The extreme weather conditions also made winching from the helicopter too dangerous to attempt. At this stage the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Mountain Search and Rescue (MSR) had managed to reach the scene on the ground. A coordinated rescue effort then followed with the MSR executing a plan to move those in danger to lower ground where they could be recovered to safely.
In close coordination with BiH Agencies, the helicopter was directed by the HQ EUFOR Chief Air Operations Officer to a landing site at Babin Do. Here it remained on standby awaiting the arrival of the MSR team who were transiting from the high ground. However, as darkness approached, the helicopter would need to be reconfigured to fly during night hours. Given that the MSR team was still some distance from the prearranged site, a decision was made for the helicopter to return to Camp Butmir to be reconfigured for night flying operations. During this period, an Armed Forces BiH (AF BiH) helicopter arrived at Babin Do. Once the MSR team arrived at Babin Do the injured individual was airlifted to safety by the AF BiH Helicopter.
The EUFOR Alouette III helicopter can support day and night flying operations; however, the configuration to support both does differ. Moving between these operations requires reconfiguration on the ground. The advantage of a day time configuration is that a shorter reaction time to launch is possible; a useful factor when the aircraft is needed to support potentially life-saving operations such as this incident.
On Tuesday 9 February, COM EUFOR received a letter from the BiH MSR Station, Sarajevo. This letter of gratitude offered thanks to EUFOR for providing support during this rescue mission on Bjelašnica. EUFOR is extremely proud of the quick reactions; desire to assist; and the professional approach of its HQ Staff, Air Operations team and helicopter Air Crew. Working in coordination with BiH MSR and the AF BiH, EUFOR was able to assist individuals in their hour of need.