Factual Information
Operator and Aircraft
The operator of the accident flight was Square Air Ltd. (SAL), based at Hazrat Shah Jalal International Airport (HSIA), Dhaka, Bangladesh. The aircraft involved was a Robinson R-66 helicopter, bearing Bangladesh nationality and registration mark S2-AGT.
History of Flight
On 1 October 2017, the helicopter departed from VGHS (Dhaka) at 1005 UTC on a non-scheduled corporate domestic passenger flight destined for Pabna Astras Helipad (Square House). The flight carried one pilot and four corporate passengers. Due to adverse weather, the flight diverted approximately 15 to 20 nautical miles short of the destination. The pilot searched for a suitable landing area and identified a paved surface at a local rice mill (Chatal) at coordinates 24°13.28’N, 089°16.80’E. While attempting a hurried landing at around 1100 UTC, the helicopter became uncontrollable and entered a dynamic rollover, toppling onto its right side (pilot side). The pilot immediately shut down the helicopter, exited through the left door, and with assistance from local residents, evacuated all passengers.
Injuries and Damage
There was no significant injury to the pilot or any of the four passengers. The helicopter sustained extensive damage, including complete damage to the tail boom, which sheared off from the fuselage; the tail rotor gearbox broke and sheared off; both main rotor blades were completely damaged; the swash plate and link rods were badly damaged; control tubes broke; the tail rotor guard and transmission were damaged; and the fuselage was damaged in all areas. The engine condition could not be ascertained but appeared damaged. The helicopter was assessed as beyond economic repair.
Weather and Other Factors
The flight encountered bad weather en route, prompting the diversion. The landing was conducted on a paved surface hurriedly. No other specific weather or environmental conditions were detailed in the investigation report.