Pilot Debrief

AIRBUS HELICOPTERS AS 350 B3 near Lordsburg, NM — 2014-10-17

Final reportCEN15TA017
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Date
2014-10-17
Location
Lordsburg, NM, USA
Aircraft
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS AS 350 B3
Registration
N852BP
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate drift control and skid clearance from the ground during takeoff, which resulted in a dynamic rollover when the aft right skid contacted a rock.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter departed from level terrain and then drifted backward. The aft right skid then contacted a rock that was embedded in the ground, which resulted in the helicopter pivoting around the rock, the rotor blades impacting the ground, and the helicopter rolling over onto its right side. Examination of wreckage revealed no anomalies with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. A review of data from the vehicle engine multifunction display revealed that all of the recorded failures were associated with the ground impact and that no preimpact anomalies occurred. The evidence is consistent with a dynamic rollover event.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided takeoff after drifting backward.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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