Pilot Debrief

EUROCOPTER EC130 near Las Vegas, NV — 2017-02-26

Final reportGAA17CA167
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Date
2017-02-26
Location
Las Vegas, NV, USA
Airport
LAS
Aircraft
EUROCOPTER EC130
Registration
N864MH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's abrupt cyclic/pitch attitude control movement, which resulted in a Fenestron ground strike.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the helicopter reported that, during the hover-taxi for departure in the ramp area, he was monitoring another helicopter that had just departed and then "brought [his] eyes inside [the helicopter]" to switch a radio frequency. As the pilot looked back outside, he observed "the nose of a big plane taxiing" from behind another parked airplane to his left. Subsequently, the pilot abruptly applied aft cyclic to stop the helicopter's forward momentum, and the Fenestron struck the ramp. The pilot returned to the ramp area without further incident. The Fenestron sustained substantial damage. 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
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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