Accident Details
On November 24, 2008, at approximately 0825 eastern standard time, a Bell 206-L3 helicopter, registration HK 4361, operated by Aero Charter Adina S.A., crashed shortly after taking off from a soccer field in Vetas, Colombia. The helicopter was destroyed. The pilot and two passengers were killed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
The departure point had an elevation of 10,200 feet mean sea level. According to the investigation, as the helicopter was making its takeoff and after clearing some power lines, it began a right turn. During this turn, the helicopter lost directional control and started to spin to the left and descend. It subsequently impacted power lines, leading to the crash.
Witness Account
A local police officer who witnessed the takeoff reported that as the helicopter was turning, an unusually strong wind blew through the valley from the south-southwest.
Investigation
The investigation into the accident is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Colombia. Further information may be obtained from Camilo Micolta Ramirez, Inspector de Seguridad Aerea, Grupo Investigacion de Accidentes, Aeronautica Civil – Colombia.