Pilot Debrief

EUROCOPTER EC130 near Deer Isle, ME — 2009-08-01

Final reportERA09LA436
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Date
2009-08-01
Location
Deer Isle, ME, USA
Aircraft
EUROCOPTER EC130
Registration
M-BOAT
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during an out-of-ground-effect hover.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter departed a private yacht and was flying along an island shoreline at approximately 400 feet above mean sea level when the pilot entered an out-of-ground effect hover and initiated a left-pedal turn. The helicopter started turning faster than commanded, and the pilot was unable to regain control. The helicopter subsequently lost altitude and impacted the water. Prior to impacting the water, the pilot deployed the emergency skid-mounted floats to prevent sinking. According to the pilot, "the accident was totally pilot error with no mechanical malfunction." Examination of the wreckage confirmed no evidence of any mechanical malfunction or failure.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided out of ground effect hover and high power demand situations.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents11

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