Incident Overview
On May 11, 2023, a Bell 206B helicopter was involved in an accident at the Los Cuatro Diablos Aerodrome (SCME) in the Melipilla commune of Chile's Metropolitan Region. The aircraft was engaged in training maneuvers when it suffered a dynamic rollover, resulting in significant structural damage and injuries to both the flight crew and a bystander.
Flight Details and Crew
The flight was part of an instructor qualification program, specifically Instruction Order No. 29-H, Flight No. 5. The crew consisted of two commercial helicopter pilots: one acting as the instructor and the other as the student pilot. Both were Chilean nationals holding valid medical certificates. The student pilot occupied the left seat to control the aircraft, while the instructor sat in the right seat providing guidance.
Sequence of Events
During a practice run for a pedal failure scenario on approach to Runway 26 at SCME, the helicopter was approximately one meter above the ground. As the student pilot initiated a right turn, the left skid pivoted against the terrain. This contact caused the aircraft to tilt and undergo a dynamic rollover, impacting the ground with significant force.
Injuries and Damage
The accident resulted in minor injuries to both members of the flight crew. Additionally, a person located inside the aerodrome's casino facility sustained severe injuries to their right arm after being struck by fragments detached from the helicopter during the impact. The aircraft sustained multiple fractures and deformations, and debris also damaged a wall within the casino structure.