What happened
On January 12, 2014, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration PP-ABW, was conducting a local flight instruction mission departing from the SKY CLEAR helipad (SSAX). The flight involved two crew members: an instructor and a student. After approximately one hour of flight, while maneuvering through a valley in the rural region of Santa Maria Madalena, Rio de Janeiro, the aircraft collided with a high-voltage power line.
The impact caused the main rotor blade to sever the tail cone, leading to an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft suffered substantial damage upon impact with the ground. Both occupants sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight path and the mechanical condition of the aircraft. The investigation revealed that the aircraft was operating at a low altitude and was outside the flight school's authorized instruction area at the time of the accident.
There were conflicting accounts regarding the sequence of events. The student reported that the flight included spatial disorientation training and a simulated autorotation maneuver in an open area, followed by low-altitude flight between valleys. The instructor claimed the aircraft experienced a loss of power during a low-altitude exercise, necessitating an autorotation attempt. However, witnesses at the scene corroborated the student's account, stating the aircraft was performing low-level maneuvers. Furthermore, a technical inspection of the engine found no abnormalities or evidence of power loss during flight.
Physical evidence on the aircraft, including cuts near the skids and severe mast bumping on the main rotor blade drop stops, indicated a significant deceleration and impact force during the collision.
Findings
- Flight indiscipline regarding the use of unauthorized airspace.
- Pilot judgment errors during low-altitude maneuvering.