Synopsis
On 17 December 2021, a Robinson R66 helicopter, registration HI-982, owned by Helidosa Aviation Group S.A. and operated under Dominican Aeronautical Regulation 135, was involved in an accident during a recreational flight. The aircraft executed an emergency landing after experiencing a powerplant malfunction. The pilot, a 30-year-old Dominican commercial pilot with 791 total flight hours (approximately 500 on type), was performing his second flight of the day accompanied by four passengers. The flight departed from Helidosa Bávaro base en route to Isla Saona. While in the vicinity of the farallones, the engine malfunctioned, prompting the pilot to perform an autorotation and subsequent emergency landing.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The helicopter was a Robinson R66, a single-engine, five-seat rotorcraft designed and manufactured by Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC). The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate and had accumulated about 500 hours on the accident model. No other crew were aboard.
Injuries and Damage
All five occupants—the pilot and four passengers—sustained minor injuries (described as "leves" in the source) and exited the aircraft unaided. The helicopter was destroyed upon impact. No fire occurred, and no significant damage to third parties was reported.
Flight and Communications
The flight was conducted under visual flight rules (VFR). Radio communications with air traffic control were maintained satisfactorily throughout the flight. The aircraft was equipped with an Engine Monitoring Unit (EMU), which recorded engine parameters. However, the EMU data could not be downloaded using available software at the Helidosa Bávaro facility.
Investigation Activities
The Comisión Investigadora de Accidentes de Aviación (CIAA) of the Dominican Republic initiated the investigation. Rolls-Royce, serving as a technical advisor to the NTSB, participated in the investigation and visited Helidosa Bávaro on 5–7 January 2022. The aircraft's engine and EMU were sent to Rolls-Royce facilities for specialized examination. The investigation is ongoing, with the final report pending drafting, review, and publication.