What happened
On December 11, 2020, a Bell 206B helicopter, registration PP-MSA, was performing a flight from Ilha do Cavaco Heliport to Hotel do Bosque in Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro. While on the approach for landing, the aircraft collided with the cables of a high-voltage power transmission line. The impact caused the pilot to lose control of the helicopter, which subsequently crashed into a river. The collision caused a local power outage due to the breakage of the transmission cables. The aircraft sustained widespread substantial damage, and the pilot suffered fatal injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the flight occurred after sunset, with the collision taking place approximately seven minutes after dusk. Although meteorological reports indicated rain and a reduction in horizontal visibility, the conditions remained within the legal minimums for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations. However, the investigation found that the intended landing site was not certified for nighttime VFR operations.
Investigators also noted that the pilot had engaged in several distractions during the flight, including using messaging applications and making a telephone call to a person on the ground. Witnesses also observed the pilot performing a low pass and waving to people on the ground. Furthermore, while the pilot held valid commercial and turbine ratings, the operator could not provide recent flight hour records to verify the pilot's recent experience in this specific type of flight.
Findings
- The pilot's decision-making process was a primary contributing factor, as the flight was conducted after sunset and at a destination not certified for nighttime VFR landings.
- The pilot's attention was likely compromised by performing unauthorized tasks during flight, such as telephone communication and executing an inappropriate low pass.
- An impulsive attitude was noted, characterized by improvising procedures while flying under degraded weather conditions.
- The aircraft was in a valid state of airworthiness and within weight and balance limits at the time of the accident.