Pilot Debrief

Sud Aviation SE 3130 ALOUETTE II near Mokelumne Hills, CA — 2020-01-04

Final reportWPR20CA059
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Date
2020-01-04
Location
Mokelumne Hills, CA, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
Sud Aviation SE 3130 ALOUETTE II
Registration
N92785
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during a hover-taxi, which resulted in the helicopter's skid contacting grass and a subsequent dynamic roll-over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after about 20 minutes of flight in the helicopter, he returned to a private runway. The pilot descended the helicopter and began a hover-taxi from one end of the runway to the other. During the hover, the right skid contacted grass adjacent to the runway. The helicopter rolled over on its right ride, which resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor blades. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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