Accident Details
On 27 May 2022 at 14:22 local time (19:22 UTC), a Bell 206-L3 helicopter, registration HK5268, operated as a non-scheduled commercial passenger flight from Hotel Wayira in Manaure, Guajira, Colombia. The flight was a tourist sightseeing tour planned to last approximately 6 minutes. The pilot had completed pre-flight checks with 260 lb of fuel. After boarding six passengers, the helicopter departed at 14:16 local time, climbing to 500 feet and flying along the coast towards Laguna La Herradura.
During the flight, passengers requested maneuvers to experience a feeling of vertigo. The pilot then accelerated in straight and level flight, followed by a steep climb; as airspeed decreased, he performed a right turn to regain speed. This sequence occurred at around 200 feet altitude. While repeating the maneuver, the pilot lost control of the helicopter, which descended and collided with terrain. The sequence was captured on video by a passenger.
Injuries and Damage
All seven occupants (pilot and six passengers) exited the helicopter with minor injuries; some left by themselves, others assisted by local residents. The helicopter sustained substantial damage: dynamic rollover to the right, separation of the main rotor mast and blades, and partial tail boom fracture. No fire occurred.
Aircraft Information
The helicopter was a Bell 206-L3, registration HK5268. The accident occurred in daylight under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The impact location was at coordinates N11°36'9.72" W072°51'4.73".
Operational Aspects
The flight was conducted under non-scheduled air transport rules. The operator had two flights scheduled that day: the first at 14:00 and the second at 15:00 local time. The accident flight was the first. The pilot completed a safety briefing before departure.