What happened
On February 13, 2014, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration PT-YDW, was conducting a flight instruction mission from Pará de Minas (SNPA) to Nova Lima (SJLY). The flight involved an instructor and a student pilot performing altitude variation maneuvers.
During the training, the aircraft struck an electrical power line that crossed highway BR-262, which the crew was using as a visual reference. The impact caused the wire to slide across the windshield and break. Although the helicopter remained in controlled flight, the collision induced significant vibrations. The instructor subsequently decided to perform a precautionary landing.
The investigation
The investigation by SERIPA III focused on the sequence of events and the crew's actions. Investigators noted that the instructor did not perceive the presence of the electrical wire during the maneuver. The aircraft sustained light damage to the main rotor mast fairing and the leading edge of one of the main rotor blades.
A significant obstacle to the investigation was the failure of both the pilot and the operator to provide the aircraft's maintenance logs (cell, engine, and rotor logs) to the investigator, despite multiple requests. This lack of documentation prevented the investigation from identifying potential latent mechanical conditions that might have contributed to the event.
Findings
- Flight planning
- Pilot judgment