Accident Overview
On 6 February 2024, a private helicopter pilot and three passengers were aboard a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II. They had landed at a private property in the Ilihue sector on the south shore of Lake Ranco, commune of Lago Ranco, Los Ríos Region. At approximately 14:40 local time, according to a witness, the pilot and passengers decided to return to the pilot's property in the Coique sector, commune of Futrono, in the same region.
Accident Details
After boarding, the helicopter began its initial climb. During the ascent, the visual environment outside the cockpit became degraded. This led to an inadvertent descent without loss of control, and the helicopter struck the surface of Lake Ranco. The helicopter then began to sink into the water.
Occupants and Injuries
The three passengers managed to swim out of the sinking helicopter and were rescued. They were uninjured. The pilot at the controls, however, died as a result of the accident.
Aircraft Damage
The Robinson R44 II helicopter sustained substantial damage.
Environmental Conditions
A witness reported that as the occupants walked from the house to the helicopter, a light drizzle began, wetting their clothing. This may have contributed to the degraded visual environment, but the investigation report does not establish a causal link.
Investigation
The accident was investigated by the Chilean Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC). The final report includes a section on cause and contributing factors, but the specific findings are not reproduced in the available excerpt.