What happened
On January 5, 2021, at approximately 20:07 UTC, a Robinson R44-II helicopter, registration PP-CLD, crashed in a rural area near Iracema, Roraima. The flight originated from an unregistered landing site known as "Base Zulu" in Boa Vista, with the intent of picking up a passenger at a remote location in the Serra dos Surucucus to transport them back to Boa Vista.
As the pilot approached the intended destination, the weather conditions had significantly degraded. Satellite imagery confirmed the presence of low-altitude cloud formations over the landing area, making visual flight conditions impossible. Upon arrival, the pilot discovered the destination was not a farm as expected, but a small clearing in the dense Amazon jungle. Facing deteriorating weather and insufficient fuel to return to Boa Vista, the pilot attempted a landing in the clearing. During the approach, the helicopter's skid struck the treetops, causing the aircraft to crash into the forest. The pilot sustained light injuries, while the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed several regulatory and operational irregularities. The aircraft was registered under the Private-Instruction (PRI) category, yet it was being used for private transport services. Furthermore, the operator, Sky Amazon Serviços Aéreos Ltda., was not certified for non-scheduled public air transport (RBAC 135) at the time of the accident.
The investigation also found that the takeoff location, "Base Zulu," was an unregistered helipad despite having permanent infrastructure such as a hangar and refueling point. Additionally, the pilot did not file a flight plan (FPL) for the mission, and the aircraft's engine and airframe logbooks were not up to date. The pilot, while properly licensed, had only 70 hours of experience in this specific helicopter model and was performing his first flight operations in the Amazon region, an environment characterized by rapid weather changes and limited emergency landing options.
Findings
- Adverse meteorological conditions that forced the pilot to fly at low altitudes.
- Inadequate pilot judgment and decision-making regarding the risks of landing in an unverified clearing.
- Lack of operational experience in the specific Amazonian environment.
- Deficient flight planning and the absence of a flight plan filing.
- Inadequate management oversight, as the operator lacked standardized manuals and a Safety Management System (SMS).
- Regulatory non-compliance regarding the aircraft's registration category and the operator's certification status.