What happened
On July 4, 2021, an Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2, registration PS-PVB, was operating a private flight from an unregistered area at Fazenda Querença, in Onça do Pitangasi, Minas Gerais, toward Belo Horizonte. The pilot was performing a 180-degree clockwise turn to reposition the aircraft for passenger boarding.
During this maneuver, the aircraft's fenestron struck a bush located near the takeoff area. The pilot immediately felt abnormal vibrations in the controls and successfully landed the helicopter without further incident. The pilot and the single passenger on board were uninjured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
The CENIPA investigation revealed that the accident scene had been altered before investigators arrived. The engine, tail boom long shaft, and parts of the fenestron had been removed, and the vegetation involved in the collision had been cut and cleared without authorization from the investigation authority.
Investigators confirmed that the pilot was properly licensed and qualified, with a valid medical certificate. The aircraft was airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and all maintenance logs were up to date. The operation at the unregistered site was found to be in compliance with existing Brazilian regulations (RBAC 91), as the area was private and met the necessary safety criteria for such maneuvers. However, investigators noted that the dark green color of the vegetation provided very little contrast, which likely hindered the pilot's ability to detect the obstacle.
Findings
- Pilot judgment
- Perception