What happened
On February 16, 2022, an MD Helicopters 600N was conducting non-scheduled passenger transport operations in the Cochamó commune, located in the Llanquihue Province of the Los Lagos Region. The mission involved work related to the installation of solar panels. During the takeoff phase, the aircraft began a significant rightward yaw. In an attempt to counteract this movement, the pilot applied maximum left pedal input. When the rotation could not be arrested, the pilot initiated an emergency procedure designed for loss of tail rotor efficiency, which resulted in the aircraft impacting the terrain at El Morro hill.
During the subsequent maneuvers to maintain the helicopter's balance, the pilot applied rapid forward cyclic input. This movement caused one of the rotor blades to strike the upper fuselage cowling, leading to the shattering of the cockpit windshields.
The investigation
The DGAC Chile investigation focused on the sequence of events during the takeoff roll and the subsequent emergency maneuvers. Investigators examined the pilot's actions regarding the use of anti-torque controls and the execution of the emergency procedure for tail rotor inefficiency. The inquiry also looked into the mechanical impact between the rotor blade and the aircraft structure.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a non-scheduled passenger flight with four passengers on board.
- The primary cause of the impact was the uncontrolled rightward rotation during takeoff.
- The pilot attempted to stabilize the aircraft using full left pedal, but was unable to stop the yaw.
- The execution of the emergency procedure for loss of tail rotor efficiency led to the aircraft landing away from the intended takeoff point.
- All five occupants (the pilot and four passengers) were uninjured.
- The aircraft sustained significant damage, including broken windshields caused by a rotor blade strike on the fuselage cowling.