What happened
On June 20, 2003, a Robinson R22 helicopter, registration PT-YJG, departed from Bacacheri Aerodrome (SBBI) in Curitiba, Brazil, bound for Balneário Camboriú. During the flight, the pilot requested and received authorization for an occasional landing in an open area near the CEASA region to pick up a passenger for a scenic flight.
After landing and exchanging passengers, the helicopter took off again. Approximately 90 feet above the ground, while traveling at roughly 35 knots, the engine exhibited abnormal noise accompanied by a left yaw and low RPM warnings. Interpreting this as an engine failure, the pilot initiated an autorotation procedure. However, due to the aircraft's low airspeed and altitude, the pilot was unable to maintain the necessary parameters for a controlled descent. The helicopter struck the surface of a lake with a high vertical descent rate, causing the aircraft to submerge. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the passenger remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage, which had remained submerged for 24 hours before being recovered. The investigation noted significant damage, including a deformed main rotor and a broken tail rotor caused by the impact. While the engine was found to be operational during bench testing, investigators could not definitively determine the cause of the power loss, though they noted the possibility of fuel contamination by water or vapor lock due to high temperatures.
Investigators also analyzed the pilot's flight parameters, noting that the aircraft was not maintaining the recommended airspeed-to-altitude ratio during the initial climb. This deviation from the performance charts made the subsequent autorotation maneuver much more difficult to execute successfully.
Findings
- The pilot failed to maintain the required airspeed and altitude parameters during takeoff, which hindered the effectiveness of the autorotation.
- The pilot lacked frequent training and practice in performing autorotation maneuvers.
- The high rate of descent during the final stage of the maneuver resulted in a hard impact with the water.
- The presence of a personal document bag under the pilot's seat likely contributed to the spinal injuries sustained during the impact.