What happened
On October 12, 2013, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration PR-HOA, was performing unauthorized sightseeing flights over a municipal festival in Venda Nova do Imigrante, Espírito Santo. The aircraft was operating without a flight plan or prior notification to authorities. During the maneuvers, the pilot embarked three passengers and took off from an empty lot. Shortly after departure, the aircraft lost altitude and performed a forced landing at a brick factory located at a lower elevation than the takeoff site.
Following the impact, the pilot disembarked the passengers and exited the aircraft to inspect the damage while the engine was still running. The aircraft sustained damage to its skids due to the abrupt nature of the landing. All four occupants—the pilot and three passengers—remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation revealed several regulatory and operational irregularities. The aircraft was flying with its registration numbers intentionally covered to avoid identification, as the operator was transporting passengers irregularly. Although the aircraft was registered under a charter category in the civil aviation system, the current operator had failed to complete the legal transfer process with ANAC.
Furthermore, the investigation found that the aircraft was operating without the mandatory onboard documentation, following a reported theft of the aircraft's documents earlier that year. The pilot also demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding the aircraft's maximum takeoff weight. The operator also failed to report the occurrence to the investigating authority (SERIPA III).
Findings
- The aircraft was operating with an excess weight of approximately 53 pounds above the maximum takeoff weight of 2,400 pounds.
- The flight was conducted without authorization from ANAC and without a flight plan.
- The registration markings were intentionally obscured to evade identification.
- The pilot engaged in flight indiscipline by operating without required onboard documentation and failing to report the incident to the investigation agency.