What happened
On December 22, 2009, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration PP-MCF, was operating a charter flight from Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, toward Jacarepaguá Airport. During the flight, the passengers requested a change in destination to land at a soccer field located within a residential complex.
As the pilot approached the uncertified landing site, the aircraft encountered physical obstacles, including a fence that prevented a constant approach slope. The area was also surrounded by significant elevations on the lateral and frontal sides, which restricted the possibility of a go-around. During the final segment of the approach, the pilot increased the rate of descent to clear the obstacles. This maneuver led to a loss of lift, resulting in a heavy landing that caused substantial damage to the aircraft's landing gear. All four occupants—the pilot and three passengers—remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight circumstances and the operational procedures of the operator, DS Air Táxi Aéreo Ltda. The investigation established that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid and the engine was in normal operating condition.
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision to divert to an unregistered landing site without prior authorization from the company's Operations Director. While Brazilian regulations (RBHA 91.327) allow for landings at non-homologated sites under specific safety conditions, the sudden change in flight plan meant the operator could not be contacted to assess the risks or provide necessary safety guidance. Furthermore, the investigation analyzed the aerodynamic effects of the terrain, noting that the surrounding elevations likely caused air recirculation.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to increase the rate of descent during the final approach segment likely caused the helicopter to enter a Vortex Ring State (VRS).
- The presence of surrounding terrain likely aggravated the loss of lift by causing induced flow recirculation (obstacle-induced flow recirculation).
- The landing site lacked necessary ground support or personnel to assist with the operation.
- The flight plan was modified in-flight due to passenger request, bypassing the operator's established safety protocols for unauthorized landings.
- Contributing factors included poor flight planning, inadequate pilot judgment, and flight indiscipline.