What happened
On March 23, 2009, at approximately 13:15 local time, a Bell 206 helicopter, registration YVO151, departed from the EDELCA Aerodrome in Macagua, Puerto Ordaz, Bolívar State. The flight was being conducted for the purpose of inspecting power lines leading to the Guri station and carried one pilot and two passengers.
While flying on a heading of 209° at a distance of 16.9 NM from the Guayana Tower, the pilot observed the activation of the engine chip warning light (ENG CHIP), indicating the presence of particles in the engine. Following established flight manual procedures for such an event, the pilot notified Air Traffic Control of his position and intentions to perform a precautionary landing. The aircraft proceeded approximately 1 NM further along its course to reach a safe landing area.
The investigation
The investigation examined the maintenance history of the aircraft, noting that a replacement turboshaft engine had been installed on March 11, 2009, and this flight was the first operation following that engine change. The investigators also reviewed the pilot's credentials and the meteorological conditions, which were reported as CAVOK (ceiling and visibility OK) at the time of the incident.