Helicopter Loss of Control During Takeoff in Argentina (LV-CFC)

Incident Overview and Location Details On July 9, 2025, a preliminary aviation safety report documented an accident involving a Eurocopter EC120B helicopter. The incident occurred in Argentina, with the specific coordinates recorded at 35:03:32 South latitude and 58:47:11 West longitude. The event was classified as an accident involving a loss of control in flight, specifically triggered by an abrupt maneuver. The flight phase at the time of the incident was takeoff, and the operation was described as a non-commercial relocation flight. ## Aircraft and Operational Data The aircraft involved was a Eurocopter EC120B, a rotorcraft helicopter manufactured in 2007. The registration number was LV-CFC. At the time of the incident, the aircraft had accumulated 1,531.48 total flight hours and 1,624 total cycles. The aircraft was powered by an Aeroject (Turbomeca | Arrius-2F) engine, which had 1,778 total hours and 1,531 cycles. The aircraft's maintenance documentation was current, and its airworthiness certificate was valid. The aircraft fell into the 0-2,250 kg mass group and used turbine engine fuel. ## Personnel and Injuries The pilot-in-command was a 71-year-old male holding a private pilot license for helicopter operations. The pilot held the required ratings for the operation. The incident resulted in no injuries to the pilot, who was the only person on board. The severity of the incident was classified as substantial, with no fatalities, serious injuries, or minor injuries reported. ## Environmental and Operational Conditions The meteorological conditions at the time of the incident were visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was not activated. The operator was a private owner based in Argentina, and the flight was a non-commercial relocation operation. The descriptive factors for the incident included aircraft and operations, aircraft operation, and flight crew operation of equipment.