Accident Robinson R22 Mariner II HC-BZT, Saturday 25 January 2003

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Date:	Saturday 25 January 2003
Time:
Type:	Robinson R22 Mariner II
Owner/operator:
Registration:	HC-BZT
MSN:	2879M
Total airframe hrs:	1880 hours
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	3700 km W off Ecuador - Pacific Ocean
Phase:	Approach
Nature:	Aerial patrol
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	DGAC Ecuador
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
At around 12.30 p.m., the aircraft departed for its third flight of the day, once the prospection (work of searching for shoals) was completed, it was told to return to the fishing boat.
During the return flight and four to five miles before arriving, the aircraft began to present very strong lateral vibrations, Once in the water and due to the swell, the helicopter turned completely and ends up sinking. The crew was rescued by the fishing boat.

Accident investigation: