What happened
On August 16, 2015, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registered as PT-YRT, struck rural electrification wires while flying near Nova Esperança, Paraná. Following the collision with the power lines, the aircraft performed an emergency landing in a cassava plantation.
Immediately following the event, the pilot fled the scene without notifying the aeronautical investigation authority (SERIPA V). The incident only came to the attention of investigators through reports from the local Military Police. Due to the pilot's departure from the site and the unauthorized removal of the aircraft from the landing area, investigators were unable to assess the extent of the damage to the airframe or confirm if any other occupants were on board. The pilot was later located and identified by police in Paranavaí, but no criminal charges were filed at that time.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation faced significant obstacles due to the actions taken by the pilot and the subsequent handling of the aircraft. Investigators found that the helicopter was covered in beverage advertisements that obscured the aircraft's registration and nationality markings.
Furthermore, the investigation could not determine the flight's origin, destination, or purpose. Because the aircraft was moved from the crash site without authorization from the Investigating Commander, a full technical evaluation of the mechanical state of the Robinson R44 was not possible. The investigation was ultimately interrupted as the findings indicated a deliberate violation of aeronautical regulations that precluded further safety-oriented analysis.
Findings
- The aircraft's airworthiness inspection (IAM) had been expired since August 16, 2014.
- The aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness (CA) had been suspended since August 3, 2014.
- The aircraft was operating in violation of aeronautical regulations, featuring advertising decals that obscured its identification markings.