Pilot Debrief

EUROCOPTER FRANCE AS350 near Jasper, GA — 2016-04-15

Final reportERA16LA159
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Date
2016-04-15
Location
Jasper, GA, USA
Airport
NONE
Aircraft
EUROCOPTER FRANCE AS350
Registration
N561AM
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of helicopter control due to vortex ring state, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to conduct the landing approach with a tailwind.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter was approaching the helipad with a direct 11-knot tailwind gusting to 16 knots. About 250 ft above ground level, the commercial pilot lost tail rotor and cyclic authority, and the helicopter pitched forward and accelerated toward the ground. The pilot recognized the onset of vortex ring state, reduced engine power, and attempted to initiate a go-around; however, insufficient altitude remained to complete the maneuver, and the helicopter landed hard, resulting in a partial separation of the tailboom. The operator reported and postaccident examination confirmed that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter before the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have initiated go-around earlier to avoid vortex ring state.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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