What happened
On August 21, 2013, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration PR-DUH, was operating a private flight from Joinville (SBJV) to the Costa Esmeralda Aerodrome (SDEN) in Porto Belo, Santa Catarina. The flight carried a pilot and three passengers.
Following the disembarkation of the passengers, the pilot attempted to reposition the aircraft within the apron area. During this maneuver, the main rotor struck the upper portion of a hangar column and the hangar door. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor, tail rotor, tail cone, and fuselage, as well as damage to the hangar structure itself. The pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators noted that the accident was not reported to the authorities until several days later, following a third-party report. The investigation revealed that the aircraft had been moved from the scene without prior authorization from the regional investigation office (SERIPA V).
During the inquiry, the pilot stated that a left-side gust of wind had impacted the aircraft at the moment of the maneuver. Witnesses also suggested that the pilot may have attempted to fly the helicopter into the hangar. Furthermore, the investigation found that the pilot had not initially reported the event because of incorrect information received regarding the necessity of reporting accidents without injuries. Consequently, CENIPA provided updated guidance to the pilot, the aircraft owner, and the aerodrome administrator regarding proper accident reporting procedures.
Findings
- Flight discipline
- Adverse meteorological conditions
- Flight planning
- Pilot judgment