Pilot Debrief

MD HELICOPTER 369 near Lawrenceville, GA — 2017-09-01

Final reportERA17LA305
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Date
2017-09-01
Location
Lawrenceville, GA, USA
Airport
LZU
Aircraft
MD HELICOPTER 369
Registration
N5189K
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during the approach to landing, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

NTSB narrative

During the approach to line up with a helipad, the commercial pilot noted that the helipad was not set up for landing into the wind, so he discontinued the approach and decided to land on a nearby wash rack, into the wind. As he turned right, the helicopter encountered a wind gust, or the wind was blocked by a nearby outbuilding, which can cause a turbulent effect. The helicopter suddenly and violently yawed right and pitched up. He attempted to correct the condition with pedal and cyclic inputs; however, a right spin ensued, and the helicopter spun to the ground and then came to rest on its right side. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that the pilot did not adequately compensate for wind conditions, and when he added power to compensate, the helicopter yawed right and pitched up. The pilot was unable to stop the yaw and lost helicopter control due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to land on taxiway whiskey instead of attempting a turn.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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