What happened
On August 3, 2010, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration PR-AVF, departed from Fazenda Iriri, Pará, bound for the São Félix do Xingu aerodrome. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, while cruising at an altitude of roughly 500 feet, the aircraft collided with a vulture.
Following the impact, the pilot experienced intense vibrations throughout the airframe. In response to the emergency, the pilot performed a forced landing in a clearing near Fazenda Ouro Verde. The impact of the landing was severe enough to break the landing skid and rupture the fuel tank. Immediately after coming to a halt, the aircraft caught fire, fueled by leaking gasoline, engine oil, and hydraulic fluid. The pilot was able to evacuate the aircraft safely and escaped without injuries, but the helicopter was completely destroyed by the flames. The fire also spread to the surrounding vegetation.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. Although the intense heat of the fire destroyed the aircraft's logbooks and maintenance records, investigators were able to verify that the engine's internal components—including the pistons, rings, and crankshaft—were in good condition and properly lubricated prior to the accident. The engine had flown approximately 188 hours since new, and previous inspections were found to be up to date.
The investigation focused on the visibility conditions and the flight profile. Investigators noted a high concentration of vultures in the area at the time of the accident. Additionally, the presence of smoke from regional agricultural burning was identified as a factor that reduced horizontal visibility, potentially hindering the pilot's ability to spot the bird in time to perform an evasive maneuver.
Findings
- The primary cause of the collision was the presence of smoke from regional burning, which restricted visibility and prevented the pilot from detecting the vulture.
- The aircraft was operating at a low altitude of approximately 500 feet, increasing exposure to bird strike risks.
- The post-landing fire was triggered by the rupture of the fuel tank and the friction of the landing, which ignited leaking fuel and oil.
- The pilot was fully qualified, with a valid commercial helicopter license and sufficient experience for the operation.