What happened
On April 9, 2024, at approximately 13:20 local time, an Airbus AS 350 B3 helicopter was engaged in a passenger and cargo transport operation near the Río Blanco sector of the Codelco Andina Division in the Valparaíso Region. During the final stages of boarding passengers at a landing site located on a steep mountain slope, the aircraft's main rotor blades struck a rock formation present at the operational site.
Following the impact, the pilot maintained control of the aircraft and immediately departed the area. The helicopter proceeded to land at a prepared site located roughly two kilometers away from the initial occurrence. There were no injuries reported among the pilot or the three passengers on board.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the site, which is characterized by high-altitude terrain at approximately 11,800 feet, consisting of hard, rocky ground with significant slopes. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's main rotor blades sustained damage to all three tips, and the engine was flagged for necessary inspection.
Meteorological analysis indicated clear skies with low humidity at the time of the event. While official records noted moderate mountain-induced downdrafts and local wind variations, the pilot reported winds from 350 degrees at approximately 10 knots, with gusts reaching up to 20 knots. The investigation also verified that the aircraft's documentation, including its airworthiness certificate and flight logs, were in order, and the pilot held a valid commercial helicopter license with extensive flight experience.
Findings
- The primary cause of the damage was the contact between the main rotor blades and a rock formation during the boarding process on an inclined terrain.
- The operational environment involved a steep mountain slope, which contributed to the difficulty of maintaining clearance during rotor movement.
- The aircraft's structural integrity remained intact following the impact, allowing for a safe diversion to a secondary landing site.