What happened
On April 19, 2016, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration PR-GKG, departed from the Barra do Vento aerodrome (SJQK) in Boa Vista, Roraima, for a local flight over the Industrial District. The mission, intended to survey an area for a potential commercial development, included one pilot and one passenger.
During the flight, the pilot observed deteriorating meteorological conditions. Because the aircraft was only certified for visual flight rules (VFR), the pilot decided to return to the Barra do Vento aerodrome. To maintain visual contact with the terrain while flying at low altitude, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft near the airfield perimeter. During this approach, the aircraft encountered a fence located approximately 70 meters from the runway. In an attempt to avoid the obstacle, the pilot executed a sudden nose-up maneuver, causing the tail rotor to strike the fence. This impact led to a loss of control. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but both occupants escaped the wreckage without injury.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making and weather assessment. Investigators found that while the pilot checked the METAR for the nearby Boa Vista (SBBV) aerodrome, they failed to consult other available meteorological tools, such as regional weather radar. Radar imagery at the time indicated a high potential for precipitation in the sectors between Perseverança and Caracaraí. Furthermore, the pilot relied solely on weather data from SBBV, which was located 11.4 nautical miles away, and did not have precise information regarding the specific conditions at the SJQK aerodrome.
Findings
- The pilot was properly licensed and held a valid medical certificate.
- The aircraft was airworthy, with all maintenance logs and certificates up to date.
- The pilot was not highly accustomed to flying in that specific region.
- Inadequate flight planning due to the failure to perform a detailed analysis of regional meteorological information contributed to the accident.
- The pilot's application of flight controls and piloting judgment during the obstacle avoidance maneuver led to the tail rotor strike.
Safety action
It is recommended that the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) disseminate the findings of this report to helicopter operators, emphasizing the necessity of thorough meteorological analysis to ensure safe flight operations.