Fatal Rescue Attempt During Helicopter Water Landing

Casualties unknown • CARACARAÍ, RR, BR

A private helicopter pilot attempted an unauthorized rescue operation in the Catrimani River, resulting in the drowning of the other aircraft's commander.

What happened

On June 14, 2017, an AS350 B2 helicopter, registration PR-TOD, operated by Paramazônia Táxi Aéreo Ltda., departed from Boa Vista, Roraima, to assist survivors of another aircraft, PT-KGC, which had performed an emergency water landing in the Catrimani River.

Upon arrival, the crew of PR-TOD observed that the occupants of PT-KGC had already successfully reached the riverbank. The pilot of PR-TOD performed a low-altitude hover approximately one meter above the water level. Because the pilot of PT-KGC was unable to swim, the crew attempted to pull him to the helicopter using a rope attached to his waist. During the attempt to hoist the individual into the cabin, the person slipped through the loop, fell into the river, and was swept away by the current. Despite a rescue attempt by a passenger from the first aircraft, the commander of PT-KGC went missing and his body was recovered two days later, approximately 6km downstream.

The investigation

CENIPA examined the operational legality and the technical capabilities of the aircraft and crew involved. The investigation focused on whether the flight crew was authorized to perform specialized rescue maneuvers and whether the aircraft was certified for such an operation. The investigation was ultimately interrupted as the incident involved an intentional operation in violation of existing aviation regulations.

Findings

  • The pilot of PR-TOD held a valid medical certificate and helicopter rating, but lacked any specific training or instruction for specialized search and rescue (SAR) operations.
  • The AS350 B2 was a private aircraft registered for non-scheduled public air transport (TPX) and was neither certified nor equipped for specialized rescue missions.
  • The crew members assisting the rescue did not possess the required regulatory credentials for such functions.
  • The decision to perform the rescue was deemed inappropriate as the survivors of the initial landing were already safe on land.
  • The pilot attempted a specialized rescue operation without the necessary training, equipment, or legal authorization.

Probable cause

The pilot attempted to conduct a specialized rescue operation using an aircraft and crew that were not certified, equipped, or trained for such tasks, while operating outside the legal framework for public safety and civil defense aviation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-06-14 aircraft accident near CARACARAÍ, RR, BR?

A private helicopter pilot attempted an unauthorized rescue operation in the Catrimani River, resulting in the drowning of the other aircraft's commander.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-06-14 involved a aircraft, registration PRTOD, at CARACARAÍ, RR, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot attempted to conduct a specialized rescue operation using an aircraft and crew that were not certified, equipped, or trained for such tasks, while operating outside the legal framework for public safety and civil defense aviation.

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