What happened
On August 19, 2012, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration PT-YPY, departed for a private flight to transport two passengers to a rural property in Arujá, São Paulo. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in favorable weather conditions. Approximately 15 minutes after takeoff, while in level flight, the aircraft began a continuous left-hand turn.
The pilot attempted to correct the deviation by applying full right cyclic input to prevent a roll and loss of control; however, the aircraft failed to respond to the inputs. Realizing the loss of control was imminent, the pilot executed an emergency autorotative landing into a banana plantation on a hillside. The aircraft struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. All three occupants—the pilot and two passengers—sustained minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals by the Fire Department.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators encountered significant obstacles during the inquiry. Following the accident, the aircraft owner reported that several critical components were stolen from the crash site. Missing items included the aircraft's logbook, instrument panel, GPS, dual controls, radio transmitter, headsets, and the transponder.
The theft of these items prevented investigators from reviewing maintenance records and performing a technical analysis of the flight instruments to verify the pilot's reports regarding the aircraft's behavior. Furthermore, interviews conducted during the investigation revealed evidence of illegal air charter operations, as the aircraft was registered for private use (TPP) but was being used for commercial purposes in violation of the Brazilian Aeronautical Code.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced an uncommanded tendency to maintain a left-hand turn.
- The pilot performed an emergency landing in unprepared terrain.
- The theft of flight documentation and essential avionics from the scene prevented a conclusive technical analysis of the aircraft's mechanical condition.
- Evidence suggested the flight was part of an irregular, unauthorized charter operation.