Pilot Debrief

CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR20 near Fort Collins, CO — 2014-12-05

Final reportCEN15LA069
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Date
2014-12-05
Location
Fort Collins, CO, USA
Airport
FNL
Aircraft
CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR20
Registration
N407ND
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to comprehend the significance of the wake turbulence that a preceding helicopter would generate during departure, which resulted in a loss of airplane control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the lack of Federal Aviation Administration wake turbulence separation criteria for a small airplane following a helicopter.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot was conducting a solo flight in a Cirrus SR20 airplane at an uncontrolled airport. An airport video showed the student attempting to land on a runway about 30 seconds after the departure of a Sikorsky UH-60 helicopter. The student pilot reported that he was aware of the helicopter and that he attempted to land long. However, just before touchdown, the airplane encountered the wake turbulence of the helicopter and then entered an uncommanded steep left bank. The student attempted to counter the left bank and go around, but he was unable to maintain airplane control. The airplane subsequently impacted left of the runway and cartwheeled. Current Federal Aviation Administration pilot guidance, including the Airman's Information Manual and an advisory circular on aircraft wake turbulence, does not recommend separation criteria for a small airplane following a helicopter. It is likely that the student pilot did not comprehend the significance of the wake turbulence that the helicopter would generate during departure.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have maintained a safe distance from the helicopter to avoid wake turbulence.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

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