Bell 206L3 crashes in Colombia after engine hit by gunfire

Casualties unknown • Anorí, CO

A Bell 206L3 helicopter crashed in the mountains of Antioquia, killing all five occupants, after a projectile from a ground-based shooter punctured the oil reservoir.

What happened

On January 9, 2014, a Bell 206L3 helicopter, registration HK4462, was performing a non-scheduled air taxi flight transporting military and civilian personnel between Puerto Berrio and the "El Pajal" military base in Anorí, Antioquia. After reporting its position near ANI at 14:03 local time, the aircraft failed to make further contact with Medellín Control.

Following a search operation by the Colombian Air Force and the operator, SASA S.A., the wreckage was located the following day in a mountainous, densely forested area. The impact resulted in the five fatalities of all persons on board, including the pilot and four passengers. The aircraft sustained heavy damage, including the destruction of the forward section and the separation of the skids.

The investigation

The GRIAA investigation focused on the wreckage found at an elevation of approximately 4,042 feet. Investigators identified a linear trajectory of three holes caused by a single projectile: one entry hole in the rear right fuselage and two holes through the oil reservoir. The investigation confirmed that the engine had suffered significant damage due to overheating and bearing wear caused by a total lack of lubrication.

While the pilot was highly experienced in this specific route, the investigation noted that the passengers were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the impact. The investigation team also faced harassment from illegal armed groups while conducting field operations at the crash site.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was a sudden engine failure due to total loss of lubrication.
  • This loss of lubrication was triggered by a projectile from a long-range firearm striking the oil reservoir, causing a massive, high-pressure leak.
  • The engine's bearings failed rapidly following the loss of oil, leading to erratic cockpit indications and an eventual engine shutdown.
  • The pilot attempted an emergency maneuver to maintain a level attitude, which likely prevented even greater destruction of the aircraft during the impact with the trees and terrain.

Probable cause

The engine suffered a sudden shutdown caused by a complete lack of lubrication, which resulted from a ground-based shooter striking the oil reservoir with a firearm projectile.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-01-09 206L-3 accident near Anorí, CO?

A Bell 206L3 helicopter crashed in the mountains of Antioquia, killing all five occupants, after a projectile from a ground-based shooter punctured the oil reservoir.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-01-09 involved a 206L-3, registration HK4462, at Anorí, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine suffered a sudden shutdown caused by a complete lack of lubrication, which resulted from a ground-based shooter striking the oil reservoir with a firearm projectile.

Loading the flight search…