Flight Overview
On December 29, 2021, at approximately 13:00 UTC, a Bell 412 EP helicopter, registration LV-KAI, departed from the Quillén area in the Aluminé department of Neuquén province, Argentina. The flight was part of firefighting operations. About 15 minutes after takeoff, while flying under visual meteorological conditions, the helicopter impacted the slope of a mountain and caught fire.
Damage
The helicopter was completely destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire. Both engines, the main rotor, and the airframe were destroyed.
Injuries
Both occupants—one crew member and one passenger—died in the accident.
Investigation Details
The accident was investigated by the Junta de Seguridad en el Transporte (JST). The investigation identified safety issues related to mountain meteorology and the transport of persons during external load helicopter operations. No safety recommendations were issued.