Pilot Debrief

Md Helicopter 369 near Houston, TX — 2019-07-05

Final reportCEN19LA207
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Date
2019-07-05
Location
Houston, TX, USA
Airport
HOU
Aircraft
Md Helicopter 369
Registration
N5277F
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The loss of control upon landing for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter flew about 1.5 hours with no problems. On final approach to land the helicopter, about 5 to 10 ft above the ground, the pilot experienced a sudden uncontrollable yaw and bank. The left skid contacted the ground, and the helicopter rolled onto its right side. The pilot stated that there was no sudden gust of wind and that he did not have input on the controls that would have caused the yaw and bank. Detailed examination of the helicopter’s flight controls did not reveal any anomalies. The reason for the yaw and bank could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the landing approach when yaw and bank began.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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