Synopsis
On October 4, 2012, at approximately 07:10 a.m., a Dauphin AS-365 N2 helicopter, registration N646GE, operated by IMFESA, was taxiing from Hangar #58 to the main ramp at Dr. Joaquín Balaguer International Airport in Santo Domingo Norte, Dominican Republic. The taxi was intended to relocate the helicopter for pre-departure checks before an international flight. As the helicopter passed near Hangar #41 at the intersection of taxiways E1 and H2, it attempted to maneuver between a parked Eurocopter EN480 (N305RB) undergoing pre-flight and the hangar. The main rotor blades struck the front right corner of the hangar, causing significant damage.
Injuries
Both occupants—the pilot and one passenger—were uninjured and exited the aircraft unaided.
Aircraft Damage
The helicopter's four main rotor blades were completely destroyed. The upper left cabin window was broken. Parts of the blades detached and scattered up to approximately 250 meters.
Other Damage
Debris from the rotor blades caused damage to several structures and aircraft. The H-beam frame and door of Hangar #41 were damaged. Hangars 14, 15, 36, 38, and 39 sustained perforations to walls and metal doors. Aircraft N441BP (Cessna 560 XLS) was struck by particles on the nose. Aircraft HI915 and HI925 (both Cessna 550) sustained impacts and perforations to the nose, right wing, and tail. Aircraft N218DM received an impact on the right side of the fuselage.
Pilot Information
The pilot, a 47-year-old Dominican male, held an airline transport pilot license for airplane and helicopter, with a valid first-class medical certificate. He had approximately 8,000 total flight hours, including 2,100 hours on the AS-365 type. He had no flight hours in the preceding 72 hours and had 15 days of rest before the flight. Toxicological tests for drugs and alcohol were negative. No physiological or incapacitating factors were identified.
Aircraft Information
The helicopter was a Dauphin (Eurocopter) AS-365 N2, serial number 6465, manufactured in 1977. It had two Arriel 2C turboshaft engines and four main rotor blades. Total aircraft time was 8,454.0 hours. The empty weight was 2,411 kg and takeoff weight 4,300 kg. It was equipped with VOR, ILS, DME, RMI, GPS, marker beacons, magnetic compass, suction compass, and 3-axis autopilot.
Weather
Weather conditions at the time were favorable: calm wind, visibility greater than 10 km, scattered clouds above 1,000 feet, and QNH 30.03 inHg.
Communications
The pilot established contact with the airport control tower before taxi and received clearance to taxi to the terminal with caution.
Survival
After the impact, the pilot and passenger exited the helicopter on their own, both uninjured. No post-impact fire occurred.
Flight Recorders
The aircraft was not equipped with a cockpit voice recorder or flight data recorder, as these were not required for its type.