What happened
On July 4, 2013, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration PR-DCM, was performing a ferry flight from Cocalzinho de Goiás to Corumbá de Goiás, Brazil. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and three passengers.
During the approach to the destination, the pilot initially selected a grassy area within a private residence. However, due to strong winds and gusts of approximately 15 knots, the pilot determined a safe landing was not possible at that location and diverted to a secondary site: a soccer field located within a primary school. This landing site was not a certified or approved helipad.
As the helicopter attempted to land on the school field, it encountered wind gusts that resulted in an unstabilized touchdown, with the skids oscillating upon contact with the ground. During this period, several children began approaching the aircraft. To prevent contact with bystanders, the pilot initiated an immediate vertical takeoff. During this maneuver, the main rotor low RPM warning sounded, and the aircraft entered a 3eredegree spin, rotating 360 degrees around its vertical axis. The pilot attempted to transition into forward flight, but the loss of rotor RPM caused the aircraft to descend, eventually colliding with the ground approximately 300 meters from the initial takeoff point. All four occupants escaped the crash without injury, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making and the technical performance of the aircraft during the emergency maneuver. Investigators confirmed that the pilot was properly licensed and the aircraft's maintenance records and airworthiness certificates were up to date.
The investigation examined the landing site selection, noting that the pilot failed to comply with Brazilian aeronautical regulations (RBHA 91.327) regarding operations at non-certified sites. Technical analysis of the rotor blades—specifically observing upward coning and a lack of significant blade damage—indicated that the main rotor was operating at low RPM at the moment of impact. The investigation concluded that the pilot likely exceeded the maximum available torque limits for the existing weight, temperature, and density altitude conditions during the sudden vertical climb.
Findings
- The pilot exceeded the maximum available torque limits during the emergency vertical climb.
- The landing site used was not a certified or registered landing area.
- The pilot failed to meet the safety criteria required for operating at non-certified sites under RBHA 91.327.
- The pilot performed an unstabilized touchdown due to wind gusts.
- The decision to perform an immediate vertical takeoff was prompted by the approach of bystanders (children) toward the aircraft.