What happened
On September 25, 2014, a Bell 206L-3 helicopter, registration TG-LOU, was performing agricultural spraying operations at Finca Acarigua in the municipality of Patulul, Suchitepéquez, Guatemala. The aircraft was conducting its seventh flight of the day, operating at low altitudes and speeds to ensure effective chemical distribution across the crops.
During the mission, the helicopter struck trees with both its main and tail rotors. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. Despite the severity of the crash, the pilot survived the impact with minor injuries and was evacuated by local farm personnel to a medical center.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the DGAC/UIA established that the aircraft was properly certified, equipped, and maintained according to current regulations. The pilot was fully qualified for agricultural spraying operations and possessed the necessary experience for this type of mission. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were favorable for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations, and no mechanical failures or system malfunctions were identified in the aircraft's systems.
Investigators also determined that the aircraft's weight and balance were not a contributing factor, as the helicopter was not carrying passengers or additional cargo during the flight. The investigation focused on the flight path and the proximity of obstacles within the operational area.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of situational awareness, as the pilot failed to properly calculate the necessary altitude and distance from nearby trees.
- The aircraft struck trees with the tail rotor and main rotor while operating in a highly restricted and confined area.
- The operational environment involved navigating through dense vegetation, which increased the risk of rotor strikes.