What happened
On December 2, 2020, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration PP-JRL, was conducting a local navigation training flight near Piraquara, Brazil. The crew, consisting of an instructor and a student, departed from Aeródromo Piraquara (SISY) at 16:15 UTC. Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, while cruising at 4,500 feet over a mountainous region, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power. The instructor initiated an autorotation procedure, performing an emergency landing on irregular, sloping terrain covered in vegetation. Although the aircraft sustained substantial damage, both occupants emerged uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the Lycoming O-360-J2A engine and found no internal damage resulting from the forced landing. While the inspection of internal components showed no irregularities, the investigation could not reach a definitive conclusion regarding the ignition and fuel systems because several components had been removed for bench testing prior to the inspection. Consequently, investigators could not rule out a momentary power fluctuation or RPM drop that might have led the pilot to perceive an engine failure.
Additionally, the investigation looked into the possibility of carburetor icing, noting that the difference between the outside air temperature and the dew point was only 7°C, a condition favorable for icing. The crew was using the carburetor heat system at the time. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was flying at a low altitude—approximately 100 feet above the ground—which significantly limited the time available to execute emergency procedures or attempt an engine restart.
Findings
- The engine's internal components were in normal working order, and no damage from the impact was found.
- The investigation could not confirm the operational status of the ignition and fuel delivery systems at the time of the incident.
- The low altitude during the power loss prevented an effective attempt at engine recovery.
- Lack of standardized instructional supervision and management oversight at the flight school were identified as contributing factors, as the school lacked standardized flight exercises and effective safety management oversight.