What happened
On May 18, 2012, at approximately 15:04 UTC, a Bell 206L-4 helicopter, registration PP-JFR, was performing a ferry flight from Santana de Parnaíba to the Rede TV Helipad in Osasco, São Paulo. As the pilot was executing the approach for landing, the tail rotor made contact with the helipad's protective perimeter fence. Despite the impact, the pilot maintained control of the aircraft and completed the landing immediately.
The aircraft sustained minor damage to the tip of the tail rotor blade. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators confirmed that the pilot held a valid medical certificate and the appropriate single-engine turbine helicopter rating, with sufficient experience for the flight type. The aircraft was found to be in a safe condition for flight, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness, being within weight and balance limits, and having up-to-date maintenance logs for both the engine and airframe.
It was noted during the investigation that the operator removed the aircraft from the scene prior to the arrival of the aeronautical investigation authority. Due to the fact that the investigation did not yield new elements for the prevention of future accidents, and because the contributing factors had been previously addressed in similar occurrences, the investigation was officially terminated.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the collision of the tail rotor with the helipad's protective fence during the landing approach.
- The pilot was properly licensed and experienced.
- The aircraft was airworthy and properly loaded.