Preliminary Report: Robinson R22 Beta Helicopter Ground Accident at Aeródromo Peldehue

Incident Overview and Location Details On November 24, 2025, at approximately 16:23 local time (19:23 UTC), a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter experienced an accident at Aeródromo Peldehue (ICAO designator SCPD), located in the comuna of Colina, Región Metropolitana, Chile. The aerodrome features a 1,500 by 30-meter asphalt runway (14/32) at an elevation of 670 meters (2,198 feet). ## Operational Context and Accident Sequence The helicopter was conducting training for approach and hovering maneuvers. The aircraft was occupied by two individuals: a commercial helicopter pilot serving as an instructor and an airline transport pilot serving as a student. During the first practice maneuver, as the helicopter made contact with the taxiway surface, the student pilot lost control of the aircraft, causing it to overturn to its left side. ## Damage Assessment and Investigation Status Both occupants emerged from the incident uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage, including bent and fractured main rotor blades, hydraulic fluid leakage from the main rotor head, a detached front fairing from the mast base, oil leakage from the tail rotor box ventilation, and a bent tail cone structural joint. Main rotor blade marks were observed on the asphalt surface of taxiway Alfa. Investigators found no surface obstacles that contributed to the overturn. The investigation is currently in the evidence collection and analysis phase to determine the cause and develop safety recommendations.