Pilot Debrief

AIRBUS AS350 near McAllen, TX — 2016-06-17

Final reportGAA16CA328
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Date
2016-06-17
Location
McAllen, TX, USA
Airport
MFE
Aircraft
AIRBUS AS350
Registration
N4035W
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadvertent input of the right tail rotor pedal, which resulted in a loss of directional control and an impact with service equipment.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter pilot reported that during the engine run-up sequence while on a movable helicopter pad attached to a tug, he noticed that the right rear door was not secure. The pilot unhooked his shoulder harness to reach back to secure the door. While attempting to reach the door, the pilot reported that he inadvertently applied right tail rotor pedal, which caused the helicopter to spin to the right multiple times. During the rotation the helicopter departed the movable pad, impacted the tug, and came to rest in an upright position on the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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