General Information
On 17 March 2022, at approximately 09:00 local time (15:00 UTC), an Airbus Helicopter (Eurocopter) AS350B3, registration TG-ERC, serial number 3791, was involved in an incident at the heliport of Edificio Reforma 10, located at Avenida Reforma 9-55, zone 10, Guatemala City. The helicopter was owned and operated by Compañía Proveedora de Servicios, Sociedad Anónima. It was configured for normal/private use with a maximum takeoff weight of 4,960 pounds and a capacity of six passengers. The aircraft was powered by one Turbomeca Arriel 2B engine.
Flight Narrative
The helicopter departed from Pastoría farm in the municipality of Palencia, Guatemala, under a VFR flight plan filed via radio on frequency 118.1, with the destination being heliport R-10. The pilot, holder of a Commercial Helicopter license with ratings including single-engine land helicopter, R-44, R-66, flight instructor, and agricultural spraying, reported one passenger on board and no issues during the flight to the heliport.
During the approach to the heliport from the north, the helicopter suddenly descended and landed harder than normal. After landing, the passenger disembarked, and the helicopter then departed for the Airbus (Franconaves) ramp. Upon landing there, a post-flight inspection revealed roughness (irregularities) in the area adjacent to the junction of the tail boom with the fuselage.
Occupants and Injuries
The helicopter carried two persons on board, who were reported as uninjured. The incident is classified as an incident due to the absence of injuries to occupants.
Damage
The post-flight inspection identified roughness at the tail boom junction area with the fuselage. No other damage was reported in the source.
Probable Cause
The investigation report did not state a probable cause for the incident.