What happened
On October 22, 2022, at approximately 17:18 UTC, a Robinson R66 helicopter, registration PS-UPS, was conducting a scenic sightseeing flight departing from Jacarepaguá Aerodrome (SBJR) in Rio de Janeiro. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and four passengers.
While descending through approximately 2,200 feet near the Christ the Redeemer statue, the pilot observed birds and subsequently felt an impact on the aircraft. Although the helicopter initially maintained normal flight characteristics, the pilot encountered significant difficulties when attempting to reduce airspeed and apply collective. The aircraft exhibited a strong tendency to yaw clockwise, and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control using the left pedal, even with full anti-torque input.
Unable to maintain control at lower speeds, the pilot executed an emergency landing in Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. During the approach, the aircraft performed approximately four clockwise rotations before striking the water. The impact caused the helicopter to submerge completely, though the crew and passengers were rescued by nearby boats and sustained no injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage after the aircraft was recovered from the lagoon two days later. The investigation confirmed the presence of organic material on the VOR/Localizer antenna base. DNA testing of this material showed a 9/9.84% similarity to the *Fregatamagnificens* (Great Frigatebird), a species common to the Brazilian coast.
The investigation also revealed that the tail rotor assembly had separated from the aircraft. Evidence of fractures and shearing was found at the base of the Tail Rotor Gearbox attachment. While it could not be definitively determined if the separation occurred during the bird strike or the water impact, the loss of tail rotor thrust was a confirmed factor in the loss of control.
Findings
- The primary cause of the loss of control was the loss of tail rotor thrust following a bird strike.
- The pilot's decision-making and judgment contributed to the outcome, specifically the failure to execute the prescribed autorotation procedure for loss of tail rotor thrust in forward flight, which mandates immediate power reduction and entering autorotation.
- The presence of a bird (Great Frigatebird) was a contributing factor.
- The aircraft was operating within weight and balance limits, and meteorological conditions were favorable for flight.