2022 Robinson R22 Beta Accident in Colina, Chile (CC-PHQ)

Incident Overview and Location On October 21, 2022, a Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Beta helicopter, registration CC-PHQ, was involved in an accident in the “Embalse Huechún” sector of Colina, within the Metropolitan Region of Chile. The aircraft was operating a training flight when it impacted agricultural terrain and came to rest on its left side. ## Flight Details and Crew The helicopter departed from Chicureo Aerodrome (SCHC) and proceeded to a training area located five nautical miles west of Peldehue Aerodrome (SCPD). The flight was part of a private helicopter pilot course, specifically stage 7, which included emergency procedures. The crew consisted of a 56-year-old commercial helicopter pilot and flight instructor, and a 60-year-old student pilot. Both individuals were Chilean nationals and held valid medical certificates. ## Accident Sequence and Damage During the flight, the student pilot executed a simulated autorotation emergency under the instructor's supervision. The source states that the flight parameters for the autorotation were not maintained, causing the aircraft to descend and strike the ground. The helicopter overturned onto its left side. Both crew members evacuated the aircraft independently and were reported as uninjured. The aircraft sustained structural damage to the tail cone, stabilizers, landing gear, main rotor assembly, transmission shaft, tail rotor pitch change bar, and tail rotor assembly.