What happened
On January 19, 2022, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration PR-NEW, was conducting a local scenic flight near Canasvieiras beach in Florianópolis, Brazil. The flight, operated by Icaraí Turismo Táxi-Aéreo Ltda., included the pilot and two passengers.
While flying at approximately 500 feet over the ocean, the pilot observed the aircraft yawing to the left, accompanied by a drop in rotor RPM and the activation of the low RPM warning light and audible alert. Interpreting these signs as an in-flight engine failure, the pilot initiated an autorotation procedure and attempted to ditch the aircraft near the shoreline. Approximately 20 meters from the beach, the helicopter struck the water and overturned. The impact caused the tail boom to separate from the fuselage and the front section of the cabin to be destroyed. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigation noted that the aircraft's main rotor blades showed deformations consistent with a low-energy impact, suggesting the engine was not providing power at the time of contact. However, because the aircraft was fully immersed in salt water, the engine components showed significant corrosion, which compromised the ability to definitively analyze the engine's state.
Investigators also looked into the possibility of fuel contamination. It was noted that refueling at the flight site was performed using common-use white plastic containers. Because AVGAS can degrade when exposed to light and heat, and because the containers could not be inspected or sampled due to the accident, investigators could not confirm or rule out fuel-related engine failure. The investigation found no evidence of pilot error or meteorological interference, as weather conditions were well within visual flight rules (VFR) minimums.
Findings
- The pilot was properly licensed and rated for the aircraft type.
- The aircraft was airworthy, with up-to-date maintenance records and valid certification.
- The pilot initiated an autorotation procedure based on observable indicators of engine power loss.
- The helicopter overturned during the ditching attempt due to the nature of the water surface.
- The exact cause of the engine power loss remains undetermined due to the loss of evidence caused by saltwater immersion and the inability to inspect fuel storage containers.