What happened
On July 1, 2008, at approximately 21:45 local time, a Eurocopter HB-350B, registration PT-HNL, was performing a takeoff from the Helicidade helipad (SIBH) in São Paulo, Brazil. The flight was a short ferry mission destined for the SJGM helipad.
Following the established procedure for the helipad, the aircraft was intended to take off from spot number 8, taxi toward a central spot, and then climb. However, the pilot attempted to bypass the taxi phase to save time, initiating a vertical climb directly from the takeoff spot. As the aircraft reached a height of approximately 15 meters, it experienced a sudden drop in engine power accompanied by a significant amount of white smoke emitting from the engine exhaust. The aircraft yawed sharply to the right and subsequently collided with the ground in a level attitude. The pilot managed to perform the main rotor rotation procedure to mitigate the impact, which prevented more severe injuries.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by CENIPA examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the pilot's flight experience, and the operational circumstances leading to the accident. Technical inspections of the engine and the Fuel Control Unit (FCU) revealed no mechanical abnormalities or defects that would justify the power loss. Analysis of the fuel residue showed no presence of water or impurities.
Security camera footage from the helipad confirmed the presence of white smoke during the power loss. Investigators concluded that the smoke likely resulted from the pilot injecting excess fuel into the combustion chamber by moving the power lever to the "maximum-emergency" position immediately after the failure. The investigation also noted that the pilot had only 15 minutes between landing a previous aircraft and taking off in PT-HNL, creating significant time pressure.
Findings
- Pilot's haste and judgment: The pilot attempted to abbreviate the takeoff procedure by skipping the taxi phase to meet a tight schedule, which prevented the detection of the power issue during ground operations.
- Operational pressure: The pilot felt significant pressure to depart quickly because passengers were waiting at another location.
- Potential procedural error: Due to anxiety and haste, it is probable that the pilot failed to correctly move the fuel flow lever to the proper flight position during engine startup.
- Aircraft damage: The HB-350B sustained serious damage to the tail boom, tail rotor, passenger cabin, and landing skids.
- Injuries: The pilot sustained minor injuries.