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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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November 24, 2008 · Bell 206 L3 · HK4361

Vetas, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 24, 2008
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Location
Vetas, CO
Aircraft
Bell 206 L3
Tail Number
HK4361
Operator
Aero Charter Adidna S A
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09WA075

On November 24, 2008, at 0825 eastern standard time, a Bell 206-L3 helicopter, HK 4361, operated by Aero Charter Adina S.A., crashed shortly after takeoff, in Vetas, Colombia. The helicopter was destroyed and the pilot and two passengers were killed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The helicopter had just departed a soccer field in Vetas, enroute to deliver money to various business locations in the area. The departure point elevation was 10,200 feet mean sea level. As the helicopter was making its take off, and just after clearing some power lines, the helicopter began a right turn. During the turn the helicopter lost directional control and began to spin to the left and descend where it impacted power lines with subsequent crash. A local police officer who was a witness to the take off stated that just as the helicopter was turning, an unusually strong wind blew thought the valley from the south southwest. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Colombia. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: Camilo Micolta Ramirez Inspector de Seguridad Aerea Grupo Investigacion de Accidentes Aeronautica Civil – Colombia Tel: (1) 266 3068 Email: camilo.micolta@aerocivil.gov.co

NTSB Probable Cause

Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Other authority investigated - C

Full Narrative

On November 24, 2008, at 0825 eastern standard time, a Bell 206-L3 helicopter, HK 4361, operated by Aero Charter Adina S.A., crashed shortly after takeoff, in Vetas, Colombia. The helicopter was destroyed and the pilot and two passengers were killed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The helicopter had just departed a soccer field in Vetas, enroute to deliver money to various business locations in the area. The departure point elevation was 10,200 feet mean sea level. As the helicopter was making its take off, and just after clearing some power lines, the helicopter began a right turn. During the turn the helicopter lost directional control and began to spin to the left and descend where it impacted power lines with subsequent crash. A local police officer who was a witness to the take off stated that just as the helicopter was turning, an unusually strong wind blew thought the valley from the south southwest. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Colombia. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: Camilo Micolta Ramirez Inspector de Seguridad Aerea Grupo Investigacion de Accidentes Aeronautica Civil – Colombia Tel: (1) 266 3068 Email: camilo.micolta@aerocivil.gov.co

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:25 UTC
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206 L3
Tail NumberHK4361
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAero Charter Adidna S A
Engines1
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Fatal3
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data