Pilot Debrief

AEROSPATIALE AS355 near Hammonton, NJ — 2020-11-14

Final reportERA21LA043
Sign in to save
Date
2020-11-14
Location
Hammonton, NJ, USA
Airport
N81
Aircraft
AEROSPATIALE AS355
Registration
N712CA
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff with a perceived mechanical deficiency.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported he was departing from a dolly connected to a Kubota. During the initial collective input, he believed he had a stuck tail rotor pedal but continued the takeoff attempt because he “wasn’t afraid of a stuck pedal.” As the helicopter started to slide left off the dolly, he increased collective, the helicopter spun to the left and impacted the Kubota, resulting in substantial damage to the tail rotor and tail boom. A post-accident examination was unable to determine a definitive mechanical, hydraulic or electrical malfunction or anomaly that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps