Flight Details
The helicopter, a Robinson 44 II "RAVEN II" with registration EC-JOG, was privately owned and operated. It departed Almería Airport at 11:59 local time on a private flight to Bullas (Murcia), carrying the pilot and two passengers. A visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan had been filed at 11:45. The occupants were expected at a company lunch around midday.
Accident Sequence
Around 13:00, the helicopter was overflying the Sierra de la Tercia north of Lorca at low altitude, heading north. After topping a hill, it turned back and struck the mountainside after spinning (giró sobre sí mismo). The impact occurred at a location known as "el llano del Zarcico", approximately 1 km from the Ermita de la Virgen de la Salud in the municipality of Lorca.
Witness Accounts
Two witnesses, located about 500 m southwest of the accident site in a house, reported seeing the helicopter flying very low, which drew their attention. They saw it pass northwards, then heard it again and observed it spin and fall.
Injuries and Damage
All three occupants died in the accident, and their bodies were completely burned. A post-impact fire destroyed the cabin, main rotor, and half of the tail cone. Firefighters and rescue teams extinguished the fire and recovered the bodies.
Investigation Findings
The investigation concluded that the accident was caused by the execution of a sudden maneuver at low altitude over the terrain, during which the pilot probably lost control of the helicopter. The maneuver may have been performed in an attempt to find a route that would allow the continuation of visual flight in a mountainous area that offered difficulties for safe flight due to proximity to the ground and the existing low visibility conditions.