Bell 212 helicopter crashes in Quito, Ecuador

No fatalities • Quito, Ecuador

A Bell 212 helicopter sustained substantial damage after impacting terrain during a post-maintenance check flight near a helipad in Quito.

What happened

On November 25, 2011, at approximately 11:40 local time, a Bell 212 helicopter, registration HC-CLH, was performing a post-maintenance check flight in Quito, Ecuador. The flight was being conducted under Ecuadorian flight regulations in visual meteorological conditions.

According to the pilot, the aircraft had completed several hover checks before attempting a takeoff over a ravine. During this takeoff maneuver, the helicopter experienced a loss of rotor RPM. The pilot attempted to return to the Aeromaster Airways, S.A. helipad, but the aircraft struck the side of the helipad. Following the impact, the helicopter descended 36 meters into a creek at the bottom of the ravine, where it came to rest on its left side.

There were 4 serious injuries among the occupants, which included two pilots and two mechanics. There were 0 fatalities.

Probable cause

The official probable cause was not provided in the source material.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Nov 2011 BELL 212 NO SERIES accident near Quito, Ecuador?

A Bell 212 helicopter sustained substantial damage after impacting terrain during a post-maintenance check flight near a helipad in Quito.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Nov 2011 BELL 212 NO SERIES accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Nov 2011 involved a BELL 212 NO SERIES, operated by Aeromaster Airways, SA, at Quito, Ecuador.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The official probable cause was not provided in the source material.

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