Overview
On 9 May 2024, at approximately 15:20 local time, a Robinson R-44 Raven II helicopter was involved in an accident near Vilanova de l’Aguda, in the province of Lleida, Spain. The helicopter had been conducting a local visual flight from a farm owned by one of the two occupants, both of whom were the owners of the aircraft.
Aircraft and Personnel
The helicopter, a Robinson R-44 Raven II manufactured in 2004 (serial number 10429), was not registered in any aircraft registry. Although the markings "HB-ZII" were painted on the fuselage, these were not validly registered in Switzerland, and the helicopter lacked a Certificate of Airworthiness. The aircraft was equipped with a Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 piston engine and a two-blade semi-rigid main rotor.
The pilot, aged 63, held a Private Pilot License (Helicopter) issued on 27 January 2021, with a type rating for the R44/SP valid until 31 December 2024. His medical certificate was valid until 7 July 2024. His total flight experience in helicopters was estimated at under 100 hours. The passenger, aged 60, also a co-owner, held an ultralight pilot license (TULM) since 1998, with over 150 hours of ultralight flight experience.
Sequence of Events
According to testimonies, approximately 20 minutes after takeoff, the helicopter began experiencing vibrations in the mast, prompting the pilot to attempt an emergency landing. During the descent, the helicopter impacted the ground with high vertical speed and low main rotor RPM. The terrain was a green cereal crop field with a gentle slope. After impact, the helicopter slid forward about 5 meters, rotated 180 degrees to the left, and rolled onto its right side. No fire occurred.
Injuries and Damage
Both occupants sustained serious injuries but were able to call emergency services. The helicopter suffered substantial damage: the skid landing gear broke off completely, the main rotor blades were deformed and fractured, the tail cone was deformed, and the tail rotor, stabilizers, and tail skid separated from the airframe. The crop in the impact area was also damaged.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the accident was caused by a loss of main rotor lift due to low rotor RPM, in the context of a total absence of airworthiness conditions.