What happened
On January 16, 2020, at approximately 12:00 UTC, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration PP-WFM, departed from the Faria Lima Square helipad (SJOZ) in São Paulo, Brazil. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and three passengers for a private flight. During the takeoff sequence, the pilot attempted to lift off twice; the first attempt failed to gain sufficient lift, and the second attempt resulted in a loss of control. The aircraft subsequently performed an emergency landing on the rooftop of a building on Avenida Faria Lima, a location not designated as a helipad. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft, though all four occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's performance capabilities and the pilot's credentials. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held valid medical and flight certifications, and the aircraft maintained a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. Maintenance records for the engine and airframe were up to date, with the last major inspection completed in October 2019. However, investigators were unable to verify the pilot's specific flight experience because the required digital flight log (CIV Digital) entries were not available for review.
Regarding the aircraft's weight, the investigation found that the PP-WFM was operating significantly above its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). While the manual specifies a maximum takeoff weight of 1,089 kg, the actual weight at takeoff was estimated to be 1,123 kg. Furthermore, while the aircraft had enough power to maintain lift while within the ground effect, it lacked the necessary power to maintain flight once it transitioned out of the ground effect at the elevated helipad.
Findings
- Overweight operation: The aircraft was 34 kg above its maximum allowable takeoff weight.
- Performance limitations: The aircraft lacked sufficient power to maintain flight out of ground effect (OGE) due to the excessive weight.
- Pilot judgment: Errors in flight planning and pilot decision-making regarding weight and balance contributed to the incident.
- Inability to verify experience: The lack of digital flight log records prevented a definitive assessment of the pilot's flight hours.