What happened
On August 22, 2024, at approximately 17:00 local time, a Robinson R66 helicopter was conducting a recreational flight near the town of Peralillo, in the O'Higgins Region of Chile. Shortly after departing from an agricultural property with the intention of flying to the Santiago Helipad (SHSH), the pilot experienced what was perceived as a loss of engine power. In response to this perceived loss of performance, the pilot executed an emergency landing within a nearby agricultural field. The aircraft impacted the soft terrain of a fruit orchard, coming to rest with its nose pointing northeast. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft uninjured.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the wreckage at the scene, noting that the aircraft's landing skids and supports were deformed, with the left skid fractured. The inspection revealed damage to the fuselage underside, fractures in the pilot-side door window, and deformations in the tail boom area near the fuselage junction. The main rotor blades also showed denting on their lower surfaces.
Technical inspections of the engine and fuel systems were conducted. The fuel filter was found to be free of water or foreign particulate contamination, and the fuel shut-off valve was functioning correctly. The Engine Monitoring Unit (EMU) was secured and prepared for data download. Additionally, a safety investigator from Rolls-Royce traveled to Chile to inspect the Rolls-Royce 250-C300/A1 engine. While the initial inspection of the engine, lubrication, and fuel systems found no obvious defects preventing normal operation, the engine was subsequently removed and sent to an authorized maintenance center in the United States for a detailed analysis. Maintenance records indicated that the aircraft had undergone a 100-hour/12-month inspection as recently as April 25, 2024, with no discrepancies noted at that time.