Pilot Debrief

EUROCOPTER EC 130 B4 near Waimea, HI — 2022-12-08

Final reportWPR23LA061
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Date
2022-12-08
Location
Waimea, HI, USA
Aircraft
EUROCOPTER EC 130 B4
Registration
N130WS
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of helicopter control on approach to land due to entering a vortex ring state condition, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot in the helicopter reported that, he turned final approach at about 100 ft above ground level and the helicopter started settling with power [entered vortex ring state]. The pilot attempted to stop the descent by applying collective and forward cyclic, but the helicopter subsequently landed hard and sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures 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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