A leaked draft report into the December 2023 Guyana Defence Force helicopter crash has concluded that the aircraft was mechanically sound, but poor weather and pilot limitations may have contributed to the tragedy.
The crash occurred in Region Seven on December 6, 2023, involving a Bell 412 EPi helicopter. Five servicemen were killed, including Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, Retired Brigadier Gary Beaton, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, and Warrant Officer Class II Jason Khan. Two others survived.
According to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department, the helicopter was in excellent working condition, with engines, rotors, and avionics operating normally. But investigators found that neither pilot held a valid instrument rating for the Bell 412 EPi or any other aircraft.
The report says the crew flew into dense cloud and mountainous terrain, likely suffering spatial disorientation and loss of situational awareness. The helicopter struck trees, ruptured fuel tanks, and was destroyed by fire.
Investigators also noted that both autopilots were either inadvertently switched off or failed simultaneously.
Authorities have not officially released the findings, but the leaked report has circulated widely on social media. The crash remains one of Guyana’s deadliest aviation incidents, prompting grief across the nation.