What happened
On November 11, 2008, at approximately 13:15 UTC, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration PR-TOS, departed from the Sinal Empreendimentos heliport in Rio das Ostras, Rio de Janeiro, for a local survey flight. The mission involved inspecting the area of Fazenda Candelária, carrying two pilots and one passenger.
Approximately five minutes into the flight, the aircraft struck electrical distribution wires at an altitude of roughly ten meters above the ground. The collision caused the helicopter to crash near a stream. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft. While the two crew members escaped without injury, the passenger sustained light injuries.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by SERIPA III examined the flight profile and regulatory compliance. Investigators noted that while the pilots held valid medical and technical certifications, and the aircraft held a valid airworthiness certificate, the flight was conducted at an altitude significantly below the legal minimums.
Under the regulations in effect at the time (RBHA 91.119), helicopters operating over non-densely populated areas were required to maintain an altitude of at least 500 feet above the surface. The investigation established that the presence of high-voltage towers and nearby houses in the vicinity necessitated higher altitudes to maintain safety. The crew's decision to fly at ten meters was identified as a violation of established flight rules.
Findings
- Flight indiscipline: The crew operated the aircraft at an altitude that disregarded regulatory requirements for minimum safe heights.
- Improper flight attitude: The adopted flight profile failed to maintain acceptable levels of flight safety, significantly increasing the risk of collision with obstacles.
Safety action
A recommendation was issued to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to disseminate the lessons learned from this investigation. The goal is to alert pilots and operators to the inherent risks of low-altitude helicopter operations and to emphasize the necessity of strict adherence to Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulations and Air Traffic Rules.