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NTSB Report
February 19, 2009 · Robinson R44 · HP-AM3
Tocumen, PA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 19, 2009
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Location
Tocumen, PA
Aircraft
Robinson R44
Tail Number
HP-AM3
Operator
Motta International
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CEN09WA216
A Panamanian-registered Robinson R44, was destroyed when it exploded in flight and impacted the parking lot at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), Tocumen, Panama. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the government of Panama. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: Direccion de Aeronautica Civil Apartados 7501 y 7615 Panama 5 http://www.aeronautica.gob.pa This report is for information purposes only and contains only information released by the Panamanian Government.
NTSB Probable Cause
The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the government of Panama. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: Direccion de Aeronautica Civil Apartados 7501 y 7615 Panama 5 http://www.aeronautica.gob.pa This report is for information purposes only and contains only information released by the Panamanian Government.
Full Narrative
On February 19, 2009, at 2152 coordinated universal time, a Robinson R44, Panamanian registeration D-EPDK, was destroyed when it exploded in flight and impacted the parking lot at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), Tocumen, Panama. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the government of Panama. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: Direccion de Aeronautica Civil Apartados 7501 y 7615 Panama 5 http://www.aeronautica.gob.pa This report is for information purposes only and contains only information released by the Panamanian Government.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:52 UTC
Nearest AirportTocumen International (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireBoth
Aircraft ExplosionIflt
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson R44
Tail NumberHP-AM3
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorMotta International
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating · 225
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Fatal3
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Fatal
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0