What happened
On January 13, 2018, at approximately 17:45 UTC, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration PP-MVS, was conducting a flight instruction mission for a Commercial Pilot License (PCH) candidate. The flight departed from Aeródromo João Monteiro (SIVU) in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, with an instructor and a student pilot on board.
While performing landing training on sloped terrain, the aircraft encountered a wind gust that destabilized the helicopter. This led to an abrupt movement and a subsequent loss of control. Despite the instructor's attempt to take control, the aircraft reached a critical attitude relative to the ground, resulting in an impact. Both occupants survived the accident without injuries, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that both the instructor and the student pilot held valid medical certificates and appropriate helicopter ratings. The aircraft was airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and had up-to-date maintenance records. Meteorological conditions at the time were above the minimums required for flight, with winds reported at 10 knots.
A significant procedural irregularity was noted: the aircraft was removed from the accident site by a towing truck without authorization from the SIPAER investigation authority. This unauthorized recovery, performed using non-conventional methods without specialists, reportedly caused additional damage to the airframe beyond the initial impact.
Findings
- The occurrence is consistent with the phenomenon known as dynamic rollover.
- The loss of control was triggered by a wind gust during a landing maneuver on sliped terrain.
- Improper application of flight controls contributed to the inability to recover the aircraft.
- Pilot judgment regarding the critical attitude of the aircraft was a contributing factor.