Pilot Debrief

HUGHES OH-6A near Caddo, TX — 2013-03-26

Final reportCEN13FA205
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Date
2013-03-26
Location
Caddo, TX, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES OH-6A
Registration
N910WC
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter during landing.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter approached an open field, adjacent to a stock pond, where it had landed earlier in the day. The pilot stated that he looked for smoke or dust to establish the velocity and direction of the wind before landing, but that he did not observe any. As the pilot established a hover about 3 to 4 feet above the ground, he turned the helicopter east-southeast. Subsequently, the helicopter started to spin, and the pilot was unable to regain control. He stated that he did not get the left pedal in soon enough and/or hard enough. The pilot stated that the helicopter impacted the stock pond on the passenger side and immediately sank. An examination of the helicopter and its systems revealed no malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations. The pilot was able to egress from the helicopter; however, the passenger was not. The passenger sustained a head injury during the impact sequence. It is possible that he was unconscious and, therefore, unable to get out of the helicopter.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not adequately assess wind conditions before attempting to land.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents13

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