Pilot Debrief

BELL 212 near Quito — 2011-11-25

Final reportERA12WA086
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Date
2011-11-25
Location
Quito, EC
Aircraft
BELL 212
Registration
HC-CLH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

On November 25, 2011, about 1640 coordinated universal time (1140 local time), a Bell 212, Ecuadorian registration HC-CLH, operated by Aeromaster Airways, S.A., was substantially damaged when it impacted steep terrain next to the company's helipad in Quito, Ecuador. The two Ecuadorian pilots and two on board mechanics were seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local post-maintenance check flight conducted under Ecuadorian flight regulations. Preliminary information from Ecuadorian authorities indicated that the helicopter had first conducted a series of hover checks before initiating a takeoff over a ravine. According to the pilot, during the takeoff, the helicopter lost rotor rpm, and he attempted a return to the helipad. However, the helicopter impacted the side of the helipad and descended 36 meters to the bottom of the ravine, where it came to rest on its left side in a creek. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the government of Ecuador. Further information can be obtained from: Dirección General de Aviación Civil Junta Investigadora de Accidentes de la República del Ecuador Avenida Colón E5-56 y La Rábida Edificio Ave María Torre Sur Quito, República del Ecuador Tel: 593-02-223-8981 www.dgac.gov.ec This report is for informational purposes, and only contains information released by the government of Ecuador.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after losing rotor rpm.

NTSB coding

  • Low altitude operation/event · Initial climb

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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