Investigation Summary
The accident occurred during the production of the survival reality series Dropped for the French network TF1. The mission involved two helicopters flying in close proximity: LQ-CGK, carrying three contestants and a cameraman, and LQ-FJQ, serving as the primary filming platform. Shortly after departing from a site near Villa Castelli, the helicopters began a climbing turn. Video footage of the event showed LQ-FJQ climbing at a higher rate and converging on LQ-CGK from below and behind. The rotors of the two aircraft made contact, causing both to lose control and plunge to the ground, where they were destroyed by post-impact fires. The investigation highlighted that the operation was conducted without a formal safety risk assessment for close-proximity flight and lacked established procedures for 'see and be seen' maneuvers or lost-link protocols between the two pilots.
Final Conclusions
The JIAAC final report (issued December 17, 2015) concluded the collision was caused by the filming helicopter's position, which significantly limited the pilot's visual contact with the target aircraft. Contributing factors included a lack of formal risk assessment for unusual proximity operations, deficiencies in flight planning, and the failure to observe 'see and be seen' concepts. The report also noted ambiguity in the regulations regarding the use of public/government aircraft for private commercial filming activities.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
Recreación del accidente de los helicopteros LQ-CGK / LQ-FJQ — A reconstruction and news report covering the mid-air collision between two provincial helicopters in Villa Castelli, Argentina.
If playback is blocked, the owner has disabled embedding — use the link above.
Airframe & Maintenance
La Rioja Province LQ-CGK — Eurocopter AS350B3 Écureuil · LQ-CGK
Santiago del Estero Province LQ-FJQ — Eurocopter AS350B3 Écureuil · LQ-FJQ
Crew Experience
Pilot
Pilot in command of the lead aircraft (LQ-CGK).
Pilot
Pilot in command of the filming aircraft (LQ-FJQ).
Systems & Failure Modes
Visual Separation
The primary method of collision avoidance for this flight was the 'see and be seen' concept, which failed because the pilot of the filming aircraft lost sight of the lead aircraft due to his relative position and focus on the filming target.
Operational Risk Management
The investigation found a total lack of formal safety risk assessment for the close-proximity flight, which is a standard requirement for specialized aerial work.
Interesting Facts
- 01The victims included Olympic swimmer Camille Muffat, boxer Alexis Vastine, and sailor Florence Arthaud.
- 02Weather conditions at the time of the accident were reported as good with clear skies.
- 03Both helicopters were owned by Argentine provincial governments (La Rioja and Santiago del Estero).
- 04The filming helicopter (LQ-FJQ) struck the lead helicopter (LQ-CGK) from below and behind.
- 05The operation was classified as aerial work involving passenger transport and air-to-air filming.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Regulatory Clarification
The JIAAC recommended addressing the ambiguity in regulations regarding the use of public/government aircraft for private logistics and support to ensure they meet the same safety standards as commercial operators.
Aerial Work Standards
Investigators emphasized the need for formal procedures and risk assessments for all aerial filming operations involving multiple aircraft in proximity.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Misuse of Government Assets
Reference ↗The accident sparked political controversy in Argentina regarding why helicopters designated for medical emergencies and official provincial use were 'lent' to a private French production company for a reality TV show.