Flight History
The helicopter, a Bell 206 registered HI-951, was being operated on a private international flight from Dr. Joaquin Balaguer International Airport (MDJB) to Port-au-Prince International Airport (MTPP) under visual flight rules (VFR). Approximately 21 nautical miles from the departure airport, while over the Los Cacaos area in San Cristóbal province, the aircraft impacted an electrical power line. The cable became entangled in the main rotor mast and swashplate, causing the helicopter to crash to the ground.
Injuries and Damage
The sole occupant, the pilot, sustained fatal injuries as a result of the accident. No passengers were aboard. The helicopter was destroyed by the impact. No significant damage to third-party property was reported.
Investigation
The Comisión Investigadora de Accidentes de Aviación (CIAA) of the Dominican Republic was notified on the day of the accident and initiated an investigation. A multidisciplinary team was assembled to examine operational, human performance, airworthiness, meteorological, and terrain factors. The investigation is ongoing; a provisional declaration was issued pending further analysis. As of this report, no probable cause has been determined.