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Robinson R44 II Hard Landing at Aeródromo La Hacienda, Chile

AERÓDROMO “LA HACIENDA”, CL

On May 19, 2023, a ROBINSON R44 was involved in an aviation accident near AERÓDROMO “LA HACIENDA”, CL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot inadvertently manipulated the throttle, reducing engine RPM and causing rotor energy loss, which resulted in a hard landing. This summary draws on records from the Chilean Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC Chile); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Chilean Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC Chile)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-17Data APIEditorial standards

A Robinson R44 II helicopter made a hard landing at Aeródromo La Hacienda (SCHL) in Chile on May 19, 2023, after the pilot inadvertently reduced engine RPM during a simulated autorotation. The pilot was uninjured; the aircraft sustained major damage.

Incident Overview and Flight Details On May 19, 2023, at approximately 14:30 local time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter was conducting a simulated emergency autorotation practice over Aeródromo La Hacienda (SCHL) in the comuna of Lampa, Región Metropolitana, Chile. The flight originated from Aeródromo Lipangui (SCKL), located approximately 6 kilometers from the accident site. The pilot, a 68-year-old Chilean holding a private helicopter pilot license, was the sole occupant. The planned maneuver involved initiating the autorotation at 4,500 feet altitude (2,754 feet AGL) and recovering at 3,000 feet altitude (1,254 feet AGL). The flight was intended to last approximately 20 minutes.

Probable cause

The pilot inadvertently manipulated the throttle, reducing engine RPM and causing rotor energy loss, which resulted in a hard landing.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Robinson R44 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 May 2023 ROBINSON R44 accident near AERÓDROMO “LA HACIENDA”, CL?

A Robinson R44 II helicopter made a hard landing at Aeródromo La Hacienda (SCHL) in Chile on May 19, 2023, after the pilot inadvertently reduced engine RPM during a simulated autorotation. The pilot was uninjured; the aircraft sustained major damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 May 2023 involved a ROBINSON R44, at AERÓDROMO “LA HACIENDA”, CL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot inadvertently manipulated the throttle, reducing engine RPM and causing rotor energy loss, which resulted in a hard landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the Chilean Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC Chile). Original record: https://www.dgac.gob.cl/informe-2023/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil (DGAC), Chile.