What happened
On May 8, 2021, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration PR-RDR, operated by Helic Air Táxi Aéreo e Serv Esp Ltda, departed from the SIVB Helicentro Zona Sul helipad in Belo Horizonte, MG, for a non-scheduled passenger flight to Ipatinga, MG. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced a loss of lift and was unable to maintain sufficient performance to continue the flight. The pilot was forced to execute a landing in a densely wooded area.
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, the main rotor, and the tail rotor. Despite the impact, the pilot and the three passengers on board were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the engine and rotor systems, finding no evidence of mechanical failure or power loss. The engine was confirmed to be fully operational at the time of impact. The investigation focused on the aircraft's weight and balance, as well as the environmental and operational conditions during takeoff.
While the takeoff weight was declared at approximately 1,086 kg—below the maximum takeoff weight of 1,125 kg—investigators noted that the actual weight of the aircraft was likely higher. Discrepancies were found in the fuel weight, with the actual fuel load being approximately 130 kg, exceeding the 121 kg declared in the manifest. Furthermore, there was no evidence that passengers or baggage had been weighed, suggesting a high probability that the aircraft was operating in an overweight condition.
Findings
- The pilot had limited professional experience and limited familiarity with the specific aircraft model.
- The aircraft was likely operating outside its flight envelope due to an overweight condition caused by unverified passenger/baggage weights and higher-than-declared fuel levels.
- Environmental factors, including significant wind gusts of up to 16.5 knots and the rugged terrain of the helipad, likely degraded takeoff performance.
- The pilot's perception of wind direction and intensity may have been inaccurate, potentially contributing to a tailwind component during takeoff.
- Organizational deficiencies were noted regarding the operator's personnel selection and supervision processes, specifically regarding the lack of verified training records for the pilot.
Safety action
CENIPA recommended that ANAC take action with the operator to ensure the implementation of an adequate training program and an effective risk management system to identify hazards and implement mitigating actions.