What happened
On May 14, 2008, at approximately 2:10 P.M., a Bell 206 helicopter, registration HI-834, crashed in the Los Ríos sector of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The aircraft, operated by Caribair, S.A., was performing a commercial VFR flight, having departed from Dr. Joaquín Balaguer International Airport with the intention of landing at the Santo Domingo Municipal Heliport.
During the flight, the aircraft struck the front of a residence on Anamá Street. The impact and a subsequent post-crash fire caused the total destruction of the helicopter. The crash also caused significant damage to the residence and a parked vehicle, while a neighboring house sustained minor damage from debris. The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained multiple injuries, including various lacerations, traumas, and several fractures.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the wreckage, the flight history, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators performed a post-accident inspection of the airframe and major components, including photographic documentation and witness interviews.
Technical analysis focused on the tail rotor assembly. Despite the fire, a portion of the rear fuselage remained intact, allowing for an evaluation of the anti-torque system. The investigation confirmed that the drive shaft and pitch change mechanism of the tail rotor did not suffer any breakage until after the aircraft impacted the ground. Furthermore, the couplings and hanging bearings were found to be in optimal condition.
Findings
- The investigation established that the tail rotor impacted the ground without power.
- The mechanical components of the anti-torque system, including the drive shaft and bearings, were functional and showed no structural failure prior to the impact.
- The flight conditions were within VFR parameters, with visibility exceeding 10 miles and moderate winds from the east.
- The primary cause of the accident was Loss of Tail Rotor Effectiveness (LTE).