What happened
On November 23, 2003, an AS-3-50BA helicopter, registration PP-EVC, was performing a public safety mission in Rio de Janeiro. After providing support to civil police officers at Morro dos Macacos, the pilot decided to conduct a visual reconnaissance of an area in Morro dos Cabritos, a location previously used for police training exercises.
As the pilot began the approach to the area, the aircraft's skid became entangled in a tree branch. This impact caused the aircraft to lose control and collide with the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. While the pilot and one passenger were uninjured, the remaining three passengers sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation established that the flight was conducted under favorable meteorological conditions with high visibility. However, the investigation revealed significant organizational and operational deficiencies. The time between the mission request and takeoff was approximately fifteen minutes, which was insufficient for adequate flight planning.
Furthermore, the investigation found that the pilot was operating without an operational crew member (such as a flight observer) to assist with obstacle clearance during low-altitude maneuvers. The investigation also highlighted a lack of effective management oversight due to administrative friction between the military and civil police leadership structures, which had led to the separation of pilot teams and a lack of standardized operational procedures.
Findings
- Lack of crew coordination: The absence of an operational crew member to assist the pilot in monitoring the surrounding environment and identifying obstacles contributed to the accident.
- Inadequate flight planning: The pilot's decision to perform an unplanned reconnaissance flight, combined with the short window between mission activation and takeoff, resulted in insufficient preparation for the terrain.
- Improper pilot judgment: The pilot attempted to perform low-level maneuvers in heavily wooded, irregular terrain without the necessary visual support from a second crew member.
- Deficient managerial supervision: Organizational conflicts prevented adequate oversight and the standardization of safety procedures for aerial police operations.