Robinson R44 HP-AM3

Summary

On 19 February 2009 at about 21:52 local time, a Robinson R44 registered HP-AM3, operated by Motta International, was involved in an accident near Tocumen, Panama. 3 people were on board and 3 died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

19 February 2009 at 21:52

Classification

Accident

Location

Tocumen, Panama

Nearest airport

Tocumen International (PTY)

Coordinates

9.0667, -78.3925

Aircraft

Robinson R44

Registration

HP-AM3

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Motta International

Operating rule

Non-U.S., Non-Commercial

Purpose of flight

Business

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Miraflores → Albrook

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN09WA216

3 people died.

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.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

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.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.