Incident Overview
On August 22, 2024, at approximately 17:00 local time, an aviation incident occurred involving a Robinson R66 helicopter. The event took place in the locality of Peralillo, within the Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins Region of Chile. The aircraft was operating as a recreational flight with one pilot on board.
Sequence of Events
According to the preliminary investigation, the pilot departed from an agricultural property with the intended destination being the Santiago Heliport (SHSH). Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported experiencing a loss of power during flight. Consequently, an emergency landing was executed within another agricultural field located on the south side of Route 90, approximately five kilometers west of Peralillo.
Damage and Injuries
The pilot exited the cabin independently and sustained no injuries. The aircraft suffered significant damage, including deformation and fractures to the lower fuselage, a fractured left skid, and deformations to both landing skids and their support struts. Additionally, the pilot's door window was fractured with material loss, and the tail boom exhibited deformation near its junction with the fuselage. Both main rotor blades displayed dents on their lower surfaces.
Aircraft and Maintenance Status
The helicopter, manufactured by Robinson Helicopters Company in 2012 (Serial No. 0263), had accumulated 1,061.52 flight hours at the time of the incident. The engine was a Rolls-Royce 250-C300/A1. Records indicated that the aircraft had undergone its required 100-hour/12-month inspection on April 25, 2024, with no observations noted. The pilot held a valid private helicopter license and had 1,285 total flight hours.
Investigation Status
The investigation is ongoing under the jurisdiction of the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil. Preliminary findings indicate that weather conditions were suitable for visual flight rules (VMC). The Engine Monitoring Unit (EMU) was disconnected and sealed for data download, and the engine was removed for detailed inspection at an authorized Rolls-Royce facility in the United States. The final report will incorporate further technical analyses and witness statements.