Accident Overview
On August 30, 2011, at approximately 1158 UTC, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, Brazilian registration PP-CLE, crashed near the municipality of São Sebastião in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The helicopter was registered to Old Ducan S.A. and operated by Seisa Clerman EMP. Imobiliarios LTDA.
Flight Details
The flight originated at about 1100 UTC from Campo dos Amarais Airport (SDAM) in Campinas, Brazil, destined for Angra dos Reis in the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ). A visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was filed for the flight. Instrument meteorological conditions were prevailing in the area at the time of the accident.
Accident Sequence
According to the Brazilian government, approximately 58 minutes into the flight, the aircraft disappeared from radar. A search and rescue team was summoned on the same day; however, due to adverse weather conditions during the search, the wreckage was not located until September 1, 2011, at an elevation of 1,187 feet.
Witness Reports
Witnesses near the crash site reported strong winds at the time of the accident.
Investigation
The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Brazil, specifically the Aeronautical Accident Prevention and Investigation Center (CENIPA). Further information may be obtained from CENIPA.