What happened
On July 2, 2023, at approximately 17:10 local time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter was performing a local flight at the Vitacura Municipal Aerodrome (SCLC) in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. The aircraft, operated by a private pilot, was carrying three passengers when it experienced a hard landing in the eastern sector of the aerodrome.
During the approach, the pilot transitioned into a hover at an altitude of approximately 12 meters, positioned out of ground effect (OGE). While in this state, the aircraft performed a 90-degree turn and subsequently completed seven full 360-degree rotations. This maneuver culminated in a high-impact landing on the apron area near the hangars. The impact resulted in one serious injury and two minor injuries among the four occupants, while the aircraft sustained significant structural damage.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the wreckage and the flight dynamics leading to the impact. The inspection of the Robinson R44 II revealed extensive damage to the airframe, including a broken right windshield, deformed doors, and significant denting to the fuselage. The tail boom was torn from the main fuselage, and the horizontal and vertical stabilizers were bent.
The investigation also focused on the rotor systems. Both main rotor blades were found to be damaged and bent, and the pitch change rod was broken. The tail rotor assembly sustained damage to the tail skid and the control shaft. Furthermore, the landing gear skids were deformed, and the control rods connecting the pedals to the tail rotor were broken due to the force of the impact. Maintenance records were reviewed, showing that the aircraft had undergone a recent 100-hour and annual inspection in June 2023, and all required documentation and maintenance logs were found to be in order.