What happened
On December 17, 2021, a Robinson 66 helicopter, registration HI-9SB, was conducting a recreational flight from the Helidosa Bávaro operations base toward Isla Saona. The aircraft, operated by Helidosa Aviation Group S.A. under RAD 135 regulations, was carrying a crew of one and four passengers.
While flying near the cliffs (farallones), the aircraft's engine experienced a malfunction. In response to the power loss, the pilot performed an autorotation to execute an emergency landing. While the occupants managed to exit the aircraft on their own, the impact resulted in the total destruction of the helicopter. All five occupants sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation focused on the operational and maintenance aspects of the event. Investigators examined the wreckage, which was moved to the Helidosa Bávaro facilities for inspection. Because the Engine Monitoring Unit (EMU) data could not be downloaded using the software available at the operator's base, the engine and the EMU were sent to Rolls-Royce facilities for specialized laboratory analysis and testing.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an engine malfunction occurring during flight.
- The pilot successfully executed an autorotation procedure following the loss of engine power.
- There was no post-impact fire reported.
- The aircraft was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at the time of the incident.