What happened
On November 27, 2016, at approximately 22:48 UTC, a Bell 206 L III helicopter, registration HI-770, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Playa Lavacama, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic. The aircraft, operated by Helicópteros Dominicanos S.A. (HELIDOSA), was performing a private flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) from Puerto Plata (MDPP) to a helipad near Punta Cana (MDPC).
During the flight, the aircraft deviated from its planned trajectory, moving offshore for approximately five minutes while exhibiting abrupt changes in altitude, speed, and heading. Radar data showed the aircraft performing a 180-degree turn, followed by a significant increase in speed and a sudden loss of altitude before disappearing from radar view. The impact with the water was high-energy, resulting in the total destruction of the aircraft. Despite search and rescue efforts by the IDAC and state emergency agencies, the pilot and one passenger were not located and are considered missing.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the flight path, meteorological data, and aircraft condition. Radar monitoring from Punta Cana Approach confirmed the deviation from the intended route. Meteorological radar indicated a significant atmospheric phenomenon in the area, characterized by heavy rainfall and strong winds, which had triggered a weather alert for aviation. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed the Bell 206 L III was airworthy, with its last annual inspection completed on July 30, 2016. No mechanical failures or anomalies were reported prior to the aircraft's disappearance.
Findings
- The pilot experienced spatial disorientation after inadvertently entering an area of adverse weather.
- Environmental conditions at the time of the accident included heavy rain, low visibility, and turbulence.
- The transition into twilight (penumbra) due to sunset, combined with the heavy precipitation, contributed to the loss of situational awareness.
- Severe weather conditions, including strong winds and gusts, were present in the immediate vicinity of the crash site.