What happened
On February 26, 2015, at approximately 12:30 UTC, a Robinson R22 helicopter, registration PT-YEJ, was performing a flight for the purpose of revalidating a certified examiner. The flight originated from the Heli-Rio helipad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Following the completion of necessary procedures with a civil aviation inspector, the crew landed in an uncertified field to conduct a flight debriefing.
Upon attempting to depart from this uncertified location to return to the helipad, the pilots noticed the aircraft struggled to climb. During the takeoff maneuver, the helicopter began a right-hand roll, eventually striking the ground. The impact caused substantial damage to the main rotor, mast, transmission, tail rotor, tail cone, right skid, windshield, and fuselage. Both occupants of the aircraft escaped the accident without injury.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators identified a metal cable located near the aircraft at the landing site. Physical evidence, including marks found on the upper rear portion of the right skid, confirmed that the cable had become entangled with the aircraft's landing gear. Investigators considered two possibilities: either the cable became caught under the skid during the initial landing, or the aircraft drifted backward during the takeoff hover, snagging the cable.
As the pilot attempted to move forward, the tension from the cable created an asymmetric force. This resistance prevented the aircraft from advancing and induced a dynamic roll, leading to the rotor blades striking the terrain. The investigation also noted that the use of this uncertified field for debriefings had become a frequent practice by the instructor, which violated safety regulations regarding the use of non-homologated landing sites and the maintenance of a clear safety area.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the asymmetric traction caused by a metal cable snagged on the right skid.
- Flight indiscipline regarding the frequent use of uncertified landing sites.
- Inadequate flight planning concerning the selection of a landing area free of obstacles.