Robinson R66 N810AG accident near Girardot, CO

Preliminary information

On July 12, 2011, about 2041 UTC, or 1541 local, a Robinson Helicopter Company R66, N810AG, registered to Aircraft Guaranty Corporation Trustee, operated by a private individual, collided with terrain near Girardot, Colombia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was filed for the non-U.S. non-commercial flight from Girardot/Santiago Vila Airport (SKGI), Girardot, Colombia. The helicopter sustained substantial damage, and the certificated commercial pilot and one passenger were fatally injured. The flight originated from SKGI about 4 minutes earlier.

According to preliminary air traffic control information, a VFR flight plan was filed for an intended 45 minute flight south of the destination airport. After takeoff the flight proceeded south of SKGI flying about 250 feet above ground level. A witness observed the helicopter flying in a northeasterly direction, then heard a crack sound, followed by seeing something separate from the helicopter. The witness noted the helicopter spinning about the vertical axis while descending, followed by impact. The helicopter came to rest on its left side; the tailcone and tail rotor were found separated, and were located about 46 meters from the main wreckage. The accident site was located about 2.5 nautical miles and 230 degrees from the approach end of runway 02 at SKGI.

This investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Colombia. Any further information can be obtained from:

Unidad Administrativa Especial de Aeronautica Civil

Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado

Bogota, Colombia

Telephone: 571.425.1000

This report is for informational purposes only, and contains information released by or obtained for the Government of Colombia.

Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11RA398 for the full record.