Venezuelan Bell 206 Incident Near Macagua (YVO151)

Incident Overview and Investigation Authority On March 23, 2009, a Bell 206 helicopter with registration YVO151 made a precautionary landing after an engine warning light activated during a flight in southeastern Venezuela. The incident was investigated by the Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Board (JIAAC) under Venezuela's Ministry of Popular Power for Transport and Communications. The investigation was conducted in accordance with Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention and Article 97 of the Civil Aeronautics Law, focusing on determining causes and contributing factors to prevent future occurrences rather than assigning fault. ## Flight Details and Aircraft Information The helicopter, serial number 4605, was manufactured in 1999 and operated by EDELCA (Electrificación del Caroní, C.A.), a subsidiary of the National Electric Corporation. The aircraft was powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C20J turboshaft engine producing 117 shp. At the time of the incident, the helicopter had accumulated 1,248.1 total airframe hours. The flight departed from the EDELCA aerodrome at Macagua in Puerto Ordaz, Bolívar State, at approximately 17:45 UTC, carrying two passengers. The destination was the Guri power station, with the purpose of inspecting electrical transmission lines to the Tigre substation. ## Incident Sequence and Outcome During the flight, the ENG CHIP warning light illuminated at a position 16.9 nautical miles from the Guayana tower on a radial of 209°. The pilot notified the control tower of the situation and coordinates, then proceeded to make a precautionary landing in a safe area, advancing an additional nautical mile while maintaining the same heading. The aircraft sustained no damage from the incident, and all occupants evacuated without injury. No fire occurred after the event. ## Maintenance and Technical Factors Maintenance records indicated that the helicopter's turboshaft engine replacement began on March 11, 2009, with the first flight after the change occurring on March 23, 2009. The last maintenance inspection was performed on March 20, 2009. The manufacturer's note following the engine change procedure required checking the oil filter for contamination after the test flight. The aircraft was not equipped with flight data or cockpit voice recorders, as not required by applicable regulations. ## Environmental and Operational Context Weather conditions in the Guayana area were reported as generally good with CAVOK (Ceiling and Visibility OK). The incident occurred in a flat, easily accessible area southeast of Venezuela. EDELCA operates the Simón Bolívar Hydroelectric Plant at Guri with an installed capacity of 10,000 megawatts and maintains an aerial support service for transmission line supervision, maintenance, and personnel transport. Communications between the Guayana tower and the aircraft were continuous throughout the incident.