Investigation Summary
The accident flight was a private charter transporting journalist Ricardo Boechat from a pharmaceutical event in Campinas to the Rede Bandeirantes headquarters in São Paulo. While en route, the helicopter experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot initiated an autorotation toward the highway system, specifically the access lane between the Anhanguera and Rodoanel Mário Covas highways. As the helicopter descended to the road surface, it was struck by a moving semi truck. The impact destroyed the aircraft and ignited a post-crash fire. CENIPA investigators discovered that the helicopter's engine compressor module had exceeded its Time Between Overhaul (TBO) and the engine oil change intervals had been ignored, rendering the aircraft legally non-airworthy. Furthermore, while the operator was certified for specialized services like aerial photography, it lacked the required Part 135 certification for air taxi operations.
Final Conclusions
CENIPA concluded that the primary cause was a powerplant failure (SCF-PP) resulting from inadequate maintenance practices. Contributing factors included 'Flight Indiscipline', as the pilot-owner operated the aircraft with an expired compressor module and performed a commercial flight without proper certification. The investigation also cited 'Organizational Culture' and 'Attitude' as contributors, noting a pattern of non-observance of safety procedures and maintenance requirements. The pilot's judgment during the autorotation was also questioned, as the aircraft failed to reach a clear landing area, leading to the collision with ground traffic.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Engine Compressor Module
A critical component of the Allison 250 engine; in this case, it was operated beyond its life limit without required maintenance.
Autorotation System
A flight state where the main rotor system is turned by the action of air moving up through the rotor rather than engine power, used during engine failures.
Interesting Facts
- 01The helicopter was manufactured in 1975 and had a valid flight certificate until May 2023, though it was not airworthy at the time of the crash.
- 02The operator, RQ Serviços Aéreos, was not authorized to provide air taxi services.
- 03The engine compressor module was operating past its mandatory overhaul limit (TBO).
- 04One person on the ground, the truck driver, sustained injuries but survived.
- 05The accident occurred near kilometer 8 of the Rodoanel Mário Covas highway.
Safety Actions & Advisories
CENIPA Maintenance Oversight
The final report emphasized the need for stricter adherence to maintenance programs and the risks of operating aircraft with expired life-limited parts.