History of the Flight
On 1 December 2022, a Robinson R66 helicopter, registration PK-VPJ, operated by PT. Volta Pasifik Aviasi, was conducting tourism flights around Bali. The first flight departed from Fly Bali Heliport (FBH) in Ungasan at 1159 LT to Viceroy helipad in Ubud, carrying three passengers and one pilot, landing at 1221 LT. After disembarking, the helicopter returned to FBH at 1242 LT. A second sightseeing flight departed at 1248 LT with three passengers on board. The planned route included Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, Nyang Nyang Beach, and Melasti, with return to FBH.
At Melasti, the pilot noted 10 minutes remaining of the standard 12-minute tour and decided to extend the flight to Pandawa beach, reducing airspeed to about 50 knots. After Pandawa, the helicopter turned for a long approach to FBH on a north-west heading with vertical speed below 300 feet per minute. During approach, at about 30 feet altitude, the pilot felt a right yaw and initiated a go-around by pulling the collective slightly. The yaw progressed, and the pilot maintained collective and cyclic positions, resulting in an uncontrolled nose-down attitude. Before impact, the pilot recovered by pulling the collective and cyclic to level the helicopter, causing the skid to touchdown on grass about 30 meters before the intended landing point. After engine idle, passengers evacuated with ground crew assistance.
The pilot asked an engineer to visually inspect the exterior; no damage was initially found. No advisory lights, vibrations, or unusual engine noises were noted. The pilot then air-taxied to the main helipad and shut down the engine.
Injuries to Persons
No injuries were reported.
Damage to Aircraft
The aft cross tube skid was damaged. Initial visual inspection did not reveal damage, but subsequent inspection identified the skid damage.
Personnel Information
The pilot held a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and was qualified for the Robinson R66. No further details were provided.
Aircraft Information
The helicopter was a Robinson R66, registration PK-VPJ, with no reported system malfunctions prior to the flight.
Safety Recommendations
The Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi (KNKT) issued safety recommendations to PT. Volta Pasifik Aviasi. The investigation is ongoing.