Accident Overview
On November 19, 2024, at 09:40 local time, a commercial helicopter pilot operating a Eurocopter AS350 B3 was conducting a non-scheduled passenger transport flight from Mañihuales to El Gato, both located in the Aysén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Region of Chile. The flight was planned under visual flight rules (VFR). The helicopter had arrived at Mañihuales at 09:05 from Teniente Vidal Aerodrome (SCCY) to begin the passenger transfer operation.
Sequence of Events
The helicopter departed Mañihuales with three passengers toward El Gato. After completing the first passenger transfer, the aircraft returned to Mañihuales. During the final approach to the landing point, at approximately 10 meters above ground level (AGL), the pilot perceived a fixation of the pedals and a loss of tail rotor efficiency. This caused the helicopter to yaw approximately 360° around its vertical axis. In response, the pilot executed an autorotation maneuver, stabilizing the aircraft, which resulted in a hard landing on the terrain.
Occupants and Injuries
The pilot and one passenger were uninjured. No other persons were aboard at the time of the accident. The total number of occupants was two: the pilot and one passenger.
Aircraft Damage
The helicopter sustained structural damage. The right skid of the landing gear was fractured and separated at the forward cross tube area. The lower covering of the tail cone near its junction with the fuselage was deformed. Additionally, the left lower fuselage coverings and structure at the junction between the aft cross tube and the fuselage were deformed and fractured.
Probable Cause
The accident was attributed to a loss of tail rotor efficiency due to a fixation of the directional control pedals during the landing maneuver. No contributing factors were identified.
Additional Information
No other damage occurred. The pilot held a commercial helicopter license with ratings for single-rotor and AS350/AS350B3 types.