What happened
On November 7, 1994, a McDonnell 369E helicopter, registration PT-HIH, departed from Santos Dumont Airport in Rio de Janeiro, bound for Angra dos Reis. The original flight plan intended for the aircraft to follow visual corridors along the coastline at an altitude of 500 feet. However, following takeoff, the pilot altered the planned route without notifying Rio de Janeiro Tower (TWR RJ).
As the aircraft entered the South Sector of Jacarepargas, air traffic controllers warned the pilot of restricted visibility ahead. Despite this warning, the pilot continued the flight over rugged terrain under conditions of heavy fog that were unsuitable for Visual Flight Rules (VFR). In an attempt to maintain visual references, the pilot flew at a very low altitude, following the slope of a hill. This maneuver led to a collision with the canopy of a tree. The impact caused the helicopter to strike the ground and slide approximately 50 meters downslope before overturning on its right side.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making and the operational deviations from the flight plan. Investigators established that the pilot was experienced and held a valid commercial helicopter license, but lacked the necessary instrument rating (IFR) to fly in the prevailing IMC conditions.
The investigation also examined the pilot's recent history, noting that he had previously expressed discomfort using the standard visual corridors due to concerns regarding engine failure over water. This led to a pattern of flight indiscipline, where the pilot intentionally chose inland routes to stay closer to land. Furthermore, investigators noted that the pilot was not wearing the aircraft's safety harnesses (suspenders), only the standard seatbelts, which may have exacerbated the injuries sustained during the impact.