Pilot Debrief

AIRBUS HELICOPTERS AS350 near Sanford, FL — 2024-06-27

Final reportERA24LA287
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Date
2024-06-27
Location
Sanford, FL, USA
Airport
SFB
Aircraft
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS AS350
Registration
N174SC
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The helicopter pilot’s improper maneuvering at low altitude in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in the helicopter entering a vortex ring state, and hard landing during a subsequent autorotation.

NTSB narrative

As part of a law enforcement simulation exercise, the helicopter pilot was orbiting near the departure airport between 200 to 300 ft above ground level, at 20 to 40 knots indicated airspeed. The pilot described that while the helicopter was in a left orbit the airspeed decreased to near 0. At that time, the helicopter began to descend in a vortex ring state (VRS). Due to the low altitude, the pilot was not able to recover from VRS and entered an autorotation to a grass area on the airport. The helicopter subsequently landed hard and came to rest upright in the grass area resulting in substantial damage to the helicopter’s tail boom. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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AIRBUS HELICOPTERS AS350 near Sanford, FL — 2024-06-27 · Pilot Debrief