What happened
On June 15, 2007, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration PT-YDO, was performing a charter operation in Arujá, São Paulo. The flight began at the Comandante Dantas Heliport (SSUO), after which the pilot landed at the courtyard of a private company to pick up a passenger. The landing area consisted of unpaved, dirt ground.
Upon landing, the downwash from the main rotor generated a significant amount of dust. After the passenger boarded, the pilot attempted a takeoff. As with the previous landing, the rotor wash once again kicked up a dense cloud of dust, severely obscuring the pilot's visibility. In an attempt to align the aircraft with the wind direction, the pilot initiated a vertical rotation. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a sudden, sharp rightward tilt. Despite the pilot's attempt to apply upward collective to prevent ground contact, the skids struck the terrain, causing the aircraft to lose control and capsize onto its right side. The occupants, including the pilot and one passenger, sustained minor injuries, while the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the pilot was qualified and possessed sufficient experience for the flight type. The aircraft was within weight and center of gravity limits and held a valid airworthiness certificate, although the engine and airframe logbooks were noted to be out of date. The investigation focused on the environmental conditions at the landing site, noting that the unpaved surface and prevailing winds contributed to the dust suspension. The investigators determined that the pilot's decision to perform a vertical rotation in low-visibility conditions was a critical factor in the loss of control.