Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON R66 near Girardot — 2011-07-12

Final reportERA11RA398
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Date
2011-07-12
Location
Girardot, CO
Airport
SKGI
Aircraft
ROBINSON R66
Registration
N810AG
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

Investigated by a foreign authority; NTSB does not determine probable cause.

NTSB narrative

On July 12, 2011, about 2041 UTC, or 1541 local, a Robinson Helicopter Company R66, N810AG, registered to Aircraft Guaranty Corporation Trustee, operated by a private individual, collided with terrain near Girardot, Colombia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was filed for the non-U.S. non-commercial flight from Girardot/Santiago Vila Airport (SKGI), Girardot, Colombia. The helicopter sustained substantial damage, and the certificated commercial pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. The flight originated from SKGI about 4 minutes earlier. According to preliminary air traffic control information, a VFR flight plan was filed for an intended 45 minute flight south of the destination airport. After takeoff the flight proceeded south of SKGI flying about 250 feet above ground level. A witness observed the helicopter flying in a northeasterly direction, then heard a crack sound, followed by seeing something separate from the helicopter. The witness noted the helicopter spinning about the vertical axis while descending, followed by impact. The helicopter came to rest on its left side; the tailcone and tail rotor were found separated, and were located about 46 meters from the main wreckage. The accident site was located about 2.5 nautical miles and 230 degrees from the approach end of runway 02 at SKGI. This investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Colombia. Any further information can be obtained from: Unidad Administrativa Especial de Aeronautica Civil Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado Bogota, Colombia Telephone: 571.425.1000 This report is for informational purposes only, and contains information released by or obtained for the Government of Colombia.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after hearing the crack sound.

NTSB coding

  • Miscellaneous/other · Enroute-cruise

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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