Introduction
The Junta de Seguridad en el Transporte (JST) of Argentina investigated an accident involving a Eurocopter AS350 B3, registration LV-FQN, that occurred on 20 November 2020 at 18:42 UTC in the Cañón Río Juramento area near Coronel Moldes, Salta province. The aircraft was operated as a private general aviation flight.
Flight Information
The helicopter departed from Helipuerto Finca Las Costas in the city of Salta at 18:16 UTC, with its destination being the private aerodrome Inversora Río Juramento (Joaquí). The accident took place during the en route portion of the flight.
Aircraft Details
The accident aircraft was an Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) AS350 B3, bearing Argentine registration LV-FQN. Specific details regarding its maintenance history or equipment were not included in the preliminary information provided by the JST.
Investigation Findings
The JST's investigation focused on the operation of the aircraft at an altitude below the minimum safe altitude and the associated risk of collision with an obstacle during controlled flight. The report noted that the accident involved a controlled flight into terrain scenario, though the precise factors leading to the low altitude operation were not detailed in the available summary.
Safety Actions
As a result of the investigation, the JST issued a safety action aimed at preventing similar occurrences. The specific nature of this action was not elaborated in the synopsis.
Additional Information
The JST's report is part of a broader systemic investigation model that examines immediate and systemic factors. The accident file number is EX-2023-19695992-APN-DNISAE#JST. No information regarding occupants, injuries, or damage was provided in the source material.