What happened
On May 28, 2009, at approximately 10:40 a.m., an Enstron E480B helicopter, registration N878EE, crashed in the vicinity of Batey La Altagracia, El Seybo, Dominican Republic. The flight had originally departed from Dr. Joaquín Balaguer International Airport with two passengers, delivering them to a destination in Verón. Following the passenger drop-off, the pilot commenced a return flight to the airport. During the transit, the pilot established routine contact with the La Romana tower but failed to notify Santo Domingo as required by standard procedure. The aircraft subsequently crashed into a pasture, resulting in a post-impact fire that destroyed the aircraft in its entirety and caused the death of the pilot.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the mechanical, human, and physical factors surrounding the crash. Investigators analyzed the wreckage, noting that the debris was scattered over a 25-meter area. A laboratory analysis of the Rolls Royce 250-C20W engine, conducted by the manufacturer in Indianapolis, USA, confirmed that the engine was operating properly prior to the impact. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, finding that both his Dominican TLA and US ATP medical certificates had expired.
Medical examinations of the pilot's remains revealed that the fatal injuries, which included multiple severe traumatic injuries and dismemberment, were caused by contact with the main rotor blades. Evidence suggested that the pilot was struck by the blades after exiting the aircraft.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the pilot abandoned the aircraft while it was still in motion for undetermined reasons, leading to a fatal encounter with the main rotor blades.
- The aircraft's engine and flight controls were found to be in functional condition prior to the impact.
- The pilot was operating with expired medical certifications for both his local and international licenses.
- Weather conditions at the time of the accident were favorable, with high visibility and light winds.