What happened
On September 2, 2015, at approximately 3:10 p.m., a Eurocopter AS-350B3 helicopter, registration N-146AE, crashed in the Maquiteria sector of Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic. The aircraft was performing a commercial flight from Punta Cana to La Romana (MDJB) when it descended into a densely populated area. During its descent, the helicopter struck a tree and several buildings before landing inverted on the roof of a residence. The impact caused the aircraft to be destroyed and resulted in significant damage to the house and surrounding structures. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained severe injuries to the face, arm, and leg, and required surgical intervention.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation focused on the flight path, the mechanical condition of the aircraft, and the pilot's experience. Investigators examined the aircraft's engine and electronic monitoring systems, including the VEMD and ECU, sending them to the manufacturer in France for data analysis. Additionally, the Turbomeca Arriel 2B engine was sent to laboratories in the United States for a complete teardown inspection. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's training records and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident, which were noted as being favorable for flight, despite high temperatures.
Findings
- The pilot was performing his first flight in this specific B3 variant, having previously operated older versions of the AS350.
- The pilot had not received adequate familiarization training regarding the differences between the previous model and the AS-350B3.
- The flight path taken was unusual and deviated from standard routes, leading the aircraft over a high-density residential area.
- The aircraft entered a state of vortex ring state (settling with power) due to a combination of low altitude, low airspeed, high ambient temperatures, and the execution of steep turns.
- Mechanical analysis of the engine and flight computers revealed no evidence of pre-impact malfunction or component failure.