What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2024-04-10 involved a BELL 407, at SECTOR CHICUREO, CL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure led to a loss of power during cruise, necessitating an emergency autorotation landing.

Emergency Autorotation Following Engine Failure in Bell 407

A Bell 407 helicopter performing passenger transport successfully executed an emergency landing in Colina, Chile, after experiencing a loss of engine power.

What happened

On April 10, 2024, at approximately 15:19 UTC, a Bell 407 helicopter was conducting a passenger transport flight from the commune of Til-Til toward the Chicureo Aerodrome (SCHC) in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. Seven minutes into the flight, while cruising at an altitude of 3,000 feet, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power due to an engine failure.

In response to the power loss, the pilot performed an emergency landing via autorotation into a private property located within the Las Brisas de Chicureo condominium in the commune of Colina. The aircraft landed on a flat, grassy area (a golf course) that was clear of obstacles. All six occupants—the pilot and five passengers—were able to evacuate the aircraft on their own and sustained no injuries.

The investigation

DGAC Chile investigators examined the wreckage at the site, noting that the aircraft remained intact following the impact. The investigation identified significant structural damage to several components, including impact damage to the outer third of the four main rotor blades, a fractured left horizontal stabilizer finlet, and a severed tail rotor shaft. Additionally, the engine sustained internal damage within the turbine section.

Investigators also noted that the skids exhibited a wider separation than normal. The investigation confirmed that the flight controls remained functional and that there were no signs of fuel or oil leaks, nor any evidence of fire at the scene. The pilot's documentation and the aircraft's airworthiness certificates were found to be in order. Furthermore, a component inspection report from Rolls-Royce (USA) regarding the engine was incorporated into the investigation records.

Findings

The primary cause of the emergency landing was an engine failure resulting in a loss of power during the cruise phase of flight.
The pilot successfully executed an autorotative landing, preventing a more serious accident.
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades, tail rotor assembly, and engine turbine section.