What happened
On August 31, 2011, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration PR-RGB, was conducting a cross-country training flight from Joinville (SBJV) to Bacacheri (SBBI). On board were an instructor and a student pilot undergoing commercial helicopter training.
While flying over the Voçoroca Reservoir in Tijucas do Sul, Paraná, the instructor directed the student to descend below the approved altitude to observe a motor vehicle accident on a nearby highway. During this maneuver, the aircraft descended to an altitude of less than 200 feet AGL, striking electrical power lines that were positioned approximately 30 feet above the water. Following the impact, the instructor took control of the aircraft and managed to perform an emergency landing on the shore of the reservoir. Both occupants of the Robinson R22 Beta escaped the incident without injury, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the flight procedures and the organizational environment of the flight school. Investigators established that the aircraft was airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and that the weather conditions were suitable for VFR flight.
However, the investigation revealed that no mission briefing had been conducted prior to the flight. Furthermore, the flight school lacked a formal manual detailing the specific requirements for navigation flights, safety parameters, or standardized learning objectives. The investigation also noted that the school's Safety Management System (SMS) was still awaiting approval from the national civil aviation authority (ANAC) at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The instructor's error in judgment led to the decision to descend below the minimum required altitude.
- The flight was conducted in violation of air traffic regulations, which mandate a minimum altitude of 200 feet AGL for VFR helicopter operations in that context.
- A lack of pre-flight briefing contributed to a lack of standardization and prevented the student from questioning the instructor's maneuvers.
- Organizational deficiencies were present, specifically the absence of standardized training procedures and safety support systems within the flight school.
- Contributing factors included pilot attitude, flight indiscipline, and inadequate training supervision.