Robinson R44 II Crashes in Maranhão After Flight Plan Change

Casualties unknown • CAROLINA, MA, BR

A Robinson R44 II helicopter crashed in a mountainous region of Maranhão, Brazil, resulting in two fatalities after the pilot diverted to a new destination.

What happened

On December 23, 2009, a Robinson R44 II, registration PR-VVC, departed from the Carolina aerodrome (SBCI) in Maranhão, Brazil, bound for Imperatriz. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot coordinated with local radio to modify the flight plan, changing the destination to Fazenda Eldorado in Igarapé do Meio. Following this request, the aircraft ceased all radio communication.

The helicopter was not located until December 27, 2009, when a Brazilian Air Force search aircraft spotted the wreckage atop a mountain approximately 25 kilometers from Carolina. The impact resulted in the two fatalities of the occupants and the complete destruction of the aircraft.

The investigation

CENIPA's investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the flight path and the pilot's decision-making. Investigators examined the meteorological conditions in the region, noting that the terrain, characterized by plateaus and escarpments, was prone to orographic effects. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's qualifications and the possibility that the second occupant, who was not licensed to fly helicopters, may have been operating the controls at the time of the accident.

Findings

  • The aircraft likely encountered orographic turbulence caused by wind interacting with the local terrain, which may have induced a loss of altitude that the crew could not recover from.
  • The pilot's decision to fly at 1,000 feet AGL over mountainous terrain contributed to the risk of encountering severe downdrafts.
  • There is a possibility that the pilot was providing unauthorized instruction to the second occupant, who lacked the necessary helicopter rating.
  • The pilot's decision-making may have been compromised by external stressors, including personal financial interests related to the flight's destination and a desire to return home quickly.

Safety action

CENIPA issued a recommendation to ANAC to distribute this report to helicopter operators, emphasizing the necessity of proper flight planning and the requirement for flight instructor ratings when providing instruction.

Probable cause

The accident was likely caused by the aircraft encountering severe orographic turbulence over mountainous terrain, potentially exacerbated by the pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude and the possibility that an unqualified occupant was operating the controls.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2009-12-23 aircraft accident near CAROLINA, MA, BR?

A Robinson R44 II helicopter crashed in a mountainous region of Maranhão, Brazil, resulting in two fatalities after the pilot diverted to a new destination.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2009-12-23 involved a aircraft, registration PRVVC, at CAROLINA, MA, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was likely caused by the aircraft encountering severe orographic turbulence over mountainous terrain, potentially exacerbated by the pilot's decision to fly at a low altitude and the possibility that an unqualified occupant was operating the controls.

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