Bell 206 crash near Vetas, Colombia

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