What happened
On December 7, 2014, at approximately 16:00 UTC, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration PT-YHP, was performing a scenic flight from the Parque de Eventos Terra Brasil in Terra Boa, Paraná. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and three passengers. During the takeoff phase, the pilot lost control of the helicopter, leading to an emergency landing on a field near the event grounds. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. Among the occupants, the pilot sustained minor injuries, one passenger suffered serious injuries, and the remaining two passengers were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation into the occurrence identified several critical regulatory non-compliances. The investigation established that the aircraft's Airworthiness Certificate (CA) had been expired since September 5, 2012. Furthermore, the pilot was operating with an expired Medical Certificate (CMA), which had lapsed on November 14, 2014. Although the pilot held a valid Technical Proficiency Certificate (CHT), the investigation noted that the operator was conducting commercial scenic flights without the necessary authorization from ANAC for that specific location. Additionally, the aircraft's nationality and registration markings were obscured by sponsor decals.
Due to the presence of illegal acts and the fact that the pilot fled the scene following the accident, the investigation was interrupted. CENIPA determined that because the contributing factors were rooted in the direct violation of existing aviation regulations, further investigation would not yield new preventive knowledge, as safety improvements depend entirely on strict adherence to established laws.