What happened
On March 9, 2015, two Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopters were engaged in a coordinated aerial filming operation near Villa Castelli, La Rioja. The mission, organized by a production company, involved flying the aircraft in close proximity to capture footage of a competition. The first aircraft, LQ-CGK, was tasked with transporting passengers, while the second, LQ-FJQ, carried a film crew including cameramen and sound engineers.
Following a briefing that included plans for a 360-degree turn and low-altitude passes, both aircraft departed the area. Approximately two minutes into the flight, while flying at low altitude, the two helicopters collided. The impact caused both aircraft to crash into the ground, triggering a post-impact fire. The collision resulted in 10 fatalities, including all crew members and passengers on both aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight trajectories, the mechanical condition of both aircraft, and the regulatory framework governing the operation. Investigators confirmed that both helicopters were operating at full power at the moment of impact and found no evidence of mechanical failure contributing to the accident. Both pilots were found to be properly licensed and medically fit, with sufficient flight experience.
However, the inquiry revealed that the operation did not comply with Argentine civil aviation regulations (RAAC 91). Specifically, the regulations prohibit formation flights with passengers on board and require a formal agreement between pilots for such maneuvers. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the lack of specific training for aerial filming maneuvers and the absence of a formal risk assessment for this non-routine mission.
Findings
- The primary cause of the collision was the positioning of the filming helicopter (LQ-FJQ), which was flying on the "outside" of the flight path, significantly limiting the pilot's ability to maintain visual contact with the other aircraft.
- There was a critical lack of a formal operational risk assessment process to identify and mitigate the inherent dangers of close-proximity aerial filming.
- The flight plan lacked essential safety protocols, such as the "see and be seen" principle or established evasive maneuvers in the event of a loss of visual contact.
- The operation lacked formal procedures appropriate for the nature of the task being performed.
- Potential contributing factors included possible pilot distraction by the film crew and the possibility of sun glare affecting the pilot of LQ-CGK.