Robinson R22 Helicopter Crashes into Serra da Grota Funda During Flight Training

Casualties unknown • RIO DE JANEIRO, RJ, BR

A Robinson R22 Beta helicopter crashed into dense vegetation in Rio de Janeiro, resulting in two fatalities during a flight training mission in poor visibility.

What happened

On November 21, 2012, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration PR-UTJ, departed from Jacarepaguá Aerodrome (SBJR) in Rio de Janeiro for a navigation training flight. The crew consisted of an instructor and a student. Although the aerodrome had been closed earlier that morning due to heavy fog, the crew decided to proceed with the flight once conditions appeared to improve.

During the flight, air traffic control warned the crew to exercise caution near the Serra da Grota Funda region due to persistent heavy fog in that area. Approximately ten minutes after takeoff, the aircraft struck vegetation in the Serra da Grota Funda mountains. The impact caused the aircraft to lose control and strike a tree, where it became suspended. The collision resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and two fatalities.

The investigation

CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's maintenance history. Technical analysis of the engine showed it was capable of producing normal power, ruling out engine failure as a cause. However, investigators found that the clutch belts had slipped from their grooves following the initial impact, which likely triggered low RPM and clutch warning lights.

The investigation also uncovered significant maintenance irregularities. The aircraft's records were inconsistent, and there was no evidence that a required 12-year major inspection had been performed. Additionally, several time-based inspections and Airworthiness Directives (ADs) were overdue. The investigation also noted that the operator lacked a management oversight structure to evaluate weather conditions and flight safety independently of the instructors.

Findings

  • Adverse meteorological conditions significantly contributed to the accident.
  • The lack of organizational management oversight allowed the crew to proceed with a flight into areas with known heavy fog.
  • Maintenance discrepancies and overdue inspections were identified, though their direct causal link to the impact was not established.
  • The crew's decision-making regarding flight in deteriorating visibility was a key factor.

Probable cause

The accident was driven by adverse weather conditions and a lack of organizational oversight, which allowed a flight training mission to proceed into areas of heavy fog, leading to controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-11-21 aircraft accident near RIO DE JANEIRO, RJ, BR?

A Robinson R22 Beta helicopter crashed into dense vegetation in Rio de Janeiro, resulting in two fatalities during a flight training mission in poor visibility.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-11-21 involved a aircraft, registration PRUTJ, at RIO DE JANEIRO, RJ, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was driven by adverse weather conditions and a lack of organizational oversight, which allowed a flight training mission to proceed into areas of heavy fog, leading to controlled flight into terrain.

Loading the flight search…