What happened
On March 18, 2011, at approximately 20:00 UTC, a Robinson R44-II, registration PP-AMM, was performing a taxi maneuver between two aprons at the Aeroclube de Sergipe in Aracaju, Brazil. The aircraft was occupied by a pilot and one passenger. During the taxi, the pilot lost control of the helicopter, causing it to strike the ground. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor, rotor blades, tail cone, cockpit, and fuselage. Both occupants survived the occurrence without injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators determined that there were no indications of engine or mechanical system failures. The investigation revealed that the flight was intended to be a local flight, but due to the approaching sunset, the crew decided to perform only a short taxi between hangars. The movement was initiated by the passenger, who was a pilot for the aircraft owner and intended to help the pilot in command transition to the R44 model.
Investigators found that the pilot did not use the aircraft's checklist during the taxi. Consequently, the pilot failed to activate the hydraulic system, as the hydraulic switch was found in the 'off' position following the accident. The pilot reported that the flight controls felt significantly "heavy" after takeoff. At the time of the accident, Brazilian regulations allowed a single rating (RHBS) for both R22 and R44 models. The pilot had approximately 66 flight hours, nearly all of which were performed in the R22 model, and had not undergone specific transition training for the R44.
Findings
- Failure to use the aircraft checklist
- Failure to activate the hydraulic system
- Lack of experience in the Robinson R44-II model
- Inadequate use of cockpit resources
- Poor flight discipline and judgment
- Inadequate cockpit coordination