Bell 206B crashes in Minas Gerais mountains during adverse weather

Casualties unknown • OURO PRETO, MG, BR

A Bell 206B helicopter crashed into the Serra do Palmito mountains, resulting in three fatalities and the destruction of the aircraft.

What happened

On June 16, 2015, a Bell 206B helicopter, registration PT-YDY, was performing a flight from the Vale das Palmeiras Helipad in Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, to the BH Helicenter in Nova Lima, Minas Gerais. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and two passengers.

At approximately 19:10 UTC, while flying through a mountainous region, the aircraft collided with an elevation at Serra do Palmito, in the Ouro Preto district. The impact occurred in a densely forested, steep area. The helicopter was destroyed upon impact, and all three occupants sustained fatal injuries.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators established that the aircraft was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), but meteorological reports from the time of the flight indicated deteriorating conditions. Specifically, reports from nearby aerodromes showed low ceilings, reduced visibility, and light rain.

While the pilot held a valid type rating for the 206B and was qualified for visual flight, the investigation noted that the pilot did not possess an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) rating. The investigation team found that the crash site was difficult to access due to the steep terrain and dense vegetation, which prevented the recovery of specific components for mechanical testing. However, there was no evidence of mechanical failure or abnormal system operation prior to the impact. The investigation focused on the possibility that the pilot, attempting to avoid clouds while flying VFR, may have lost situational awareness or deviated from the standard route, leading to a Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT).

Findings

  • Adverse meteorological conditions characterized by low clouds and limited visibility made it impossible to maintain safe visual references.
  • The pilot's decision to continue the flight in deteriorating weather conditions, despite being unqualified for IFR operations, significantly increased the risk.
  • A lack of flight planning and potential pressure within the business aviation operational context may have influenced the decision-making process.
  • The aircraft collided with terrain in a mountainous area after the pilot likely lost track of the geographical location relative to obstacles.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to continue flight in adverse weather conditions without IFR certification, leading to a loss of visual references and subsequent controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-06-16 aircraft accident near OURO PRETO, MG, BR?

A Bell 206B helicopter crashed into the Serra do Palmito mountains, resulting in three fatalities and the destruction of the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-06-16 involved a aircraft, registration PTYDY, at OURO PRETO, MG, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to continue flight in adverse weather conditions without IFR certification, leading to a loss of visual references and subsequent controlled flight into terrain.

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