Pilot Debrief

Md Helicopter 369 near Eugene, OR — 2019-07-28

Final reportWPR19LA205
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Date
2019-07-28
Location
Eugene, OR, USA
Airport
EUG
Aircraft
Md Helicopter 369
Registration
N438RC
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The left seat pilot’s failure to account for environmental conditions conducive to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and subsequent loss of control.

NTSB narrative

The pilots reported that they were approaching the airport ramp area for landing from the east with a wind of 10 knots from the north. About 25 to 30 feet above the ramp at an airspeed of about 25 knots, the left seat pilot reduced left pedal pressure to turn the helicopter toward the right into the wind, then subsequently increased left pedal pressure to stop the turn; however, the helicopter continued right and began to spin. The pilot lowered the collective, and the right seat pilot took the flight controls in an attempt to slow the spin. The helicopter impacted the ground hard, spreading the landing skids and resulting in the tail rotor contacting the ramp. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The helicopter’s altitude above the ramp, its low forward speed, and the right turn were conducive to the onset of a loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE). Given the lack of mechanical anomalies, it is likely that the loss of control was due to LTE.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have maintained left pedal pressure to avoid uncommanded yaw.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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