What happened
On November 24, 2025, at approximately 16:23 local time, a Robinson R22 BETA helicopter was engaged in flight instruction maneuvers at the Peldehue Aerodrome (SCPD) in the Colina commune, Metropolitan Region. The flight crew consisted of a commercial helicopter pilot acting as an instructor and a student pilot.
During the execution of approach and hovering practice, the aircraft made contact with the surface of the taxiway. At this moment, the student pilot lost control of the helicopter, causing the aircraft to tip over onto its left side. Both the instructor and the student pilot were uninjured following the incident.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the final position of the aircraft, which was located at the intersection of taxiway Alpha and Charlie, near the threshold of Runway 14. The helicopter was found oriented 140° Southeast on the asphalt surface of taxiway Alpha, resting on its left side.
Upon inspection of the Robinson R22 BETA, investigators noted several points of damage. The main rotor blades were found to be bent and fractured, and there were visible marks left by the blades on the asphalt taxiway. Additionally, the main rotor head exhibited hydraulic fluid leakage, and the front portion of the mast fairing had become detached from its base. The investigation also identified oil leakage from the tail rotor gearbox vent and noted that the connection between the tail cone and the airframe was bent. No external obstacles or debris were found on the taxiway surface that could have contributed to the overturn.
Findings
- The primary cause of the overturn was the loss of control by the student pilot during the initial contact with the taxiway surface during hovering maneuvers.
- The aircraft sustained structural damage to the main rotor blades, mast fairing, and tail rotor assembly.