What happened
On November 2, 2022, at approximately 17:00 local time, an Airbus Helicopters AS 350 BA was engaged in a commercial aerial work operation in the Coquimbo Region of Chile. The aircraft was performing external load tasks, specifically transporting a concrete bucket for high-voltage tower construction, near the Chacay Alto sector, approximately 8 kilometers north of La Serena. During the operation, the helicopter struck the terrain on a steep hillside at an elevation of approximately 2,800 feet.
The pilot, a commercial helicopter pilot, was the sole occupant of the aircraft. Following the impact, the pilot was able to evacuate the aircraft independently. There were no injuries reported, though the aircraft sustained extensive damage.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the wreckage at the crash site, located on a slope characterized by steep terrain and low-lying vegetation. The aircraft was found resting on its left side near a construction site for an electrical tower. The investigation confirmed the aircraft was configured with an external hook system, including a remote hook, electrical cabling, and shackles, used for transporting the concrete bucket.
Technical inspections of the Airbus Helicopters AS 350 BA revealed severe structural damage. The fuselage sustained fractures to the right-side windshield and upper window, along with damaged upper cowlings. The tail section showed significant deformation, including fractured tail rotor drive shafts, damaged horizontal stabilizers, and a fractured tail cone. The main rotor blades and hub were found to be fractured and delaminated, and the transmission assembly was torn from its fuselage mounting points. Additionally, the engine's compressor wheel showed deformed and fractured blades.
Maintenance records were reviewed, showing that a daily check had been completed on the morning of the accident. The aircraft's maintenance program was being managed by a certified provider in accordance with manufacturer specifications and DGAC regulations. Fuel samples taken from the tank showed no signs of water or solid contamination.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a commercial external load operation involving the transport of concrete.
- The impact occurred on a steep hillside at an elevation of roughly 2,800 feet.
- The impact with the terrain caused extensive structural failure, including the separation of the transmission from the fuselage and delamination of the rotor blades.
- The pilot successfully evacuated the aircraft without injury.
- Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were suitable for Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) flight.