Pilot Debrief

SUD AVIATION/EUROCOPTER ALOUETTE II SE313B near Glenn, CA — 2012-07-13

Final reportWPR12CA303
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Date
2012-07-13
Location
Glenn, CA, USA
Aircraft
SUD AVIATION/EUROCOPTER ALOUETTE II SE313B
Registration
N45VX
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a tailwind while hovering, which resulted in a loss of directional control.

NTSB narrative

While hovering, the student pilot lost directional control, and the helicopter spun around to the left 3 1/2 turns before it impacted the ground and rolled over after the right skid collapsed. The pilot reported that there was a tailwind of about 5 knots. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom and the main gear box frame. The pilot said that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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