What happened
On February 4, 2010, at approximately 7:15 p.m., a Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration N7535F, crashed in a forested, mountainous area near Los Quemados, in the municipality of Restauración, Dominican Republic. The aircraft was engaged in private humanitarian flight operations between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, supporting the ILAC health mission.
The flight originated from Licey al Medio, traveling toward Jimaní, but the flight plan was altered to head toward Leogane, Haiti. During the transit, the aircraft struck the terrain in the mountains of the Cordillera Central. The impact was severe, and a post-crash fire completely destroyed the aircraft. Both occupants, two North American nationals, sustained fatal injuries and did not survive the impact.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the aircraft wreckage, witness accounts, and the pilot's records. Analysis of the wreckage, including the main rotor blades, mast static stops, and the engine fan wheel, indicated that the aircraft was maintaining high RPM and significant horizontal velocity at the moment of impact, suggesting the engine was producing acceptable power.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting a commercial airplane license and private helicopter privileges, with 3,500 total flight hours. While maintenance records were unavailable, airworthiness documents were verified. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were characterized by reduced visibility due to sunset and light drizzle. The investigation also noted that the pilot had been performing numerous missions in the region over the preceding 72 hours.
Findings
- The pilot operated the aircraft under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) while encountering Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) in an aircraft not certified for instrument flight.
- Visibility was significantly degraded by dusk and light precipitation.
- The pilot was likely experiencing spatial disorientation.
- Contributing factors included high workload and fatigue due to extensive flight operations in the 72 hours prior to the crash, as well as limited familiarity with the local terrain topography and a violation of minimum safe altitude requirements.