Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 near Unalaska, AK — 2010-06-20

Final reportANC10LA053
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Date
2010-06-20
Location
Unalaska, AK, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Registration
N333DV
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot's inappropriate low altitude maneuvering, which resulted in a collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

A ranch employee reported that he and another employee were onboard the helicopter with the pilot when they spotted a bull that had become entangled in plastic wrapping material. Both employees egressed the helicopter in an effort to try to cut the plastic off the animal. The pilot maneuvered the helicopter in an attempt to herd the bull toward them with no success. The pilot then attempted to land the helicopter on a portion of the plastic that was trailing behind the bull, which would aid the employees in being able to approach it. After that was unsuccessful, the pilot tried to knock the bull down with the helicopter. The pilot eventually managed to maneuver the helicopter's right skid under the plastic and began to elevate the bull. As the helicopter moved forward, it moved to the right and impacted the ground, killing the pilot and the bull.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen not to attempt to lift the bull with the helicopter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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