Bell 212 Crash in Tefé, Brazil (PRHRZ)

Incident Overview and Location Details On June 14, 2013, a Bell 212 helicopter with the registration PR-HRZ crashed into the ground near Tefé, Amazonas, Brazil. The accident occurred at 12:10 UTC, approximately 0.6 nautical miles from the Tefé Support Base, which is located at the Porto Moura helipad (SWTF). The helicopter had taken off from this support base at 08:05 local time, carrying a pilot and a mechanic. The flight was intended to transport a passenger from the Clareira da Sonda HQ-8 to the Tefé Aerodrome (SBTF). ## Casualties and Aircraft Damage The crash resulted in the deaths of both individuals on board: the pilot and the passenger (mechanic). The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its entire structure and rotating system. No other damage was reported. ## Investigation and Classification The accident was investigated by the Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA) under report number A-113/CENIPA/2013. The occurrence was classified as spatial disorientation. Accredited representatives from the National Transportation Safety Board (USA) and the Transportation Safety Board (Canada) were designated for the investigation. ## Pilot and Aircraft Information The pilot held a valid Airline Transport Pilot License for helicopters (PLH) and a valid technical capability license for the Bell 212. However, the pilot's Flight Instrument - Helicopter (IFRH) qualification had expired since March 2011. The pilot had 12,600 total flight hours, including 1,177 hours in the Bell 212. The aircraft, serial number 30524, was manufactured by Bell Helicopter in 1971 and had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. The helicopter was not approved for conducting flight under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).