Pilot Debrief

AEROSPATIALE AS355F1 near New York, NY — 2008-03-22

Final reportNYC08IA145
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Date
2008-03-22
Location
New York, NY, USA
Airport
JRA
Aircraft
AEROSPATIALE AS355F1
Registration
N406LH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Hover

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and subsequent failure to maintain clearance from the other helicopter due to his focus on the engine instruments during the initial departure. Contributing to the accident was insufficient helipad spacing.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was insufficient helipad spacing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot initiated a takeoff to a hover from the helipad while another helicopter was running at a low rotor rpm on an adjacent helipad. He turned his attention to the engine instruments in the cockpit and initiated a left turn in preparation for departure. The tail skid of his helicopter then struck the rotor of the other helicopter. The pilot landed his helicopter back on the helipad and shut the engines down. The pilot had approximately 10 hours experience in the accident helicopter make and model, which was the twin-engine version of the single-engine helicopter in which he was significantly more experienced. Examination of the heliport revealed helipad spacing substantially less than that advised by Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular 150/5390-2B, Heliport Design.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured safe clearance from adjacent helicopter before departure.

NTSB coding

  • Collision during takeoff/land · Takeoff
  • Attention / Monitoring

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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