What happened
On March 22, 2013, a Robinson R22 helicopter, registration PR-RCE, departed from Fazenda Irohy aerodrome in Biritiba Mirim, São Paulo, en route to Campo de Marte (SBMT) for a proficiency check flight. The flight was conducted under favorable visual flight rules (VFR) conditions.
After landing at Campo de Marte, the crew was instructed to vacate the active runway via taxiway "C" and wait at the holding point for ground control instructions. While awaiting clearance, the crew decided to simulate an engine power failure. During this maneuver, the aircraft made a sudden, hard contact with the ground. Following the impact, the pilot proceeded to the company hangar. Upon completing the taxi, the crew noticed an abnormal tilt in the cabin position relative to the ground, confirming structural damage to the landing skids.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the simulated failure and the subsequent impact. The investigation confirmed that both pilots held valid medical and technical certifications, and the commander possessed 1,300 flight hours in the model, while the co-pilot had 380 hours. The aircraft was also found to be airworthy and within weight and balance limits.
Investigators established that the engine failure simulation was not part of the original flight mission plan. Furthermore, the crew did not immediately report the occurrence to the authorities following the incident.