Accident Overview
On February 2, 2024, a private helicopter pilot was practicing hovering and 360-degree turns in a Robinson R44 II helicopter over a takeoff area on his property at Fundo El Coihue, located in the locality of Nueva Braunau, Puerto Varas commune, Los Lagos Region, Chile.
Sequence of Events
After completing several minutes of practice, including a full 360-degree turn to the left, the pilot attempted to land the helicopter on a mobile metal platform used to move the aircraft into a hangar. During the landing, the pilot lost control of the helicopter, resulting in a hard impact with both skids on the metal platform and subsequently on a concrete surface. The left skid came to rest on the concrete platform, while the right skid ended on the ground. Additionally, the tail rotor struck a work vehicle located approximately 2 meters from the outer perimeter of the platform area where the pilot intended to land.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured. The helicopter suffered damage to the landing gear, deformed vertical stabilizer, deformed blade protector, fractured both tail rotor blades, fractured right door window, deformed both cross tubes, fractured and detached tail rotor, fractured VOR antenna, and deformed mast fairing. The work vehicle sustained damage from the tail rotor impact.
Pilot Information
The 55-year-old Chilean private pilot held a valid medical certificate and was rated for the R44 type. His total flight experience was 87 hours and 24 minutes, all on the accident aircraft. The flight on the day of the accident lasted approximately 18 minutes.
Aircraft Information
The helicopter was a Robinson R44 II, serial number not specified in the report. The aircraft was manufactured by Robinson Helicopter Company. No pre-existing mechanical issues were noted.
Investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Chilean Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 and local regulations (DAR-13). The final report did not state a probable cause.