What happened
On January 26, 2005, a Eurocopter AS 350 B3, registration F-GJPI, operated by HELIAMERICA S.A.C., crashed into a forested mountainside near Cerro Sacsarayoc, Cusco. The flight was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) from Kiteni toward Ayacucho, carrying one pilot and five passengers.
During the flight, the pilot observed deteriorating weather conditions, including various cloud types such as cumulus nimbus and strato cumulonimbus. In an attempt to find clear skies, the pilot executed a turn that led the aircraft into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). While attempting to navigate back to visual conditions, the pilot encountered trees and a mountainside. The pilot performed a left turn to avoid a head-on collision, but the main rotor and tail boom struck the terrain at approximately 11,700 feet MSL. The impact caused the rotor and tail boom to separate from the cabin, which then entered an uncontrolled descent, rolling approximately five times before coming to rest on a small plateau.
Of the six occupants on board, two fatalities were recorded. The survivors, including the pilot, sustained various injuries and were later evacuated by rescue helicopters.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the flight path, meteorological conditions, and the pilot's adherence to approved flight plans. The investigation established that the aircraft was operating within weight and center of gravity limits and that the engine and mechanical components were in good standing. Investigators also reviewed the pilot's meteorological knowledge and flight planning capabilities.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) resulting from the pilot's failure to comply with VFR requirements for Class G airspace, the aircraft flight manual, and company operating specifications.
- The pilot demonstrated insufficient meteorological knowledge, failing to recognize the significance of the observed cloud types and the darkening sky.
- Inadequate flight planning, specifically regarding terrain altitude and cloud coverage.
- Deviation from the authorized VFR route, which was intended to follow the Camisea gas pipeline path.
Safety action
- The CIAA recommended that HELIAMERICA S.A.C. implement meteorological refresher training for all technical crew, focusing on cloud types, atmospheric phenomena, and VFR minimums.
- The DGAC was advised to evaluate the pilot's performance and undergo psychiatric evaluation.