Pilot Debrief

Eurocopter EC130 near Hilo, HI — 2018-08-19

Final reportWPR18TA239
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Date
2018-08-19
Location
Hilo, HI, USA
Airport
ITO
Aircraft
Eurocopter EC130
Registration
N11QP
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The separation of the left sliding door in flight after it opened for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence, which resulted in damage to the main rotor blades.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, before departing, he conducted a walk-around inspection of the helicopter, during which he visually checked to ensure all the doors and cowlings were closed and secured. The pilot departed on the flight with the maintenance apprentice, who was seated in the right front seat. While the flight was en route back to the airport, the left-rear sliding door suddenly slid open, separated from the helicopter, and struck two of the three main rotor blades. The pilot performed a precautionary landing to a field. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to two main rotor blades. The helicopter’s left sliding door tracks and door latch assemblies were normal and unremarkable. The plastic latch on the fuselage which supports the sliding rear door when opened was damaged, and a portion had separated from the fuselage. The sliding door fell into the ocean and was not recovered, thereby preventing examination of the door and its locking components. After the accident, Airbus Helicopters published an alert service bulletin requiring a mandatory spring-scale check on all sliding door-equipped EC-130 B4 helicopters to ensure correct operation of the sliding door locking system.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Ensuring the door was properly closed before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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