Pilot Debrief

EUROCOPTER AS350B2 near Talihina, OK — 2013-06-11

Final reportCEN13FA344
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Date
2013-06-11
Location
Talihina, OK, USA
Airport
OK35
Aircraft
EUROCOPTER AS350B2
Registration
N935EM
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The helicopter pilot's failure to see and avoid the 40-ft-tall lamp post during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight evaluation of the obstructions in the takeoff path.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight evaluation of the obstructions in the takeoff path.

NTSB narrative

The emergency medical service helicopter had been parked for more than an hour on a paved road next to a hospital. Immediately before takeoff during the predeparture safety briefing, the pilot discussed with the medical crew the 20-ft-tall metal lamp post to the helicopter's immediate left front. However, the pilot did not mention the 40-ft-tall metal lamp post that was 175 ft ahead of the helicopter and on the left side of the roadway. During takeoff, while traveling forward and following the center of the 25-ft-wide paved road, the helicopter's rotating main rotor blades impacted the 40-ft-tall lamp post about 24 ft above its base. The pilot was unable to maintain control of the helicopter, and the helicopter impacted the ground and came to rest on its right side about 230 ft from the takeoff point. The pilot reported that during the takeoff and before impact, he never saw the 40-ft-tall lamp post.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have used a different departure path to avoid obstacles.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 18 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents18

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