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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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July 7, 2002 · Aerospatiale AS350 BA · N141MK

Honolulu, HI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 7, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Honolulu, HI
Aircraft
Aerospatiale AS350 BA
Tail Number
N141MK
Operator
Schuman Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX02LA217

The helicopter's tail rotor collided with terrain while the pilot was attempting to land downwind on downsloping terrain. The passengers reported that as the helicopter began the approach to landing, it passed over a 6-foot fence and settled hard onto dirt. The pilot told an FAA inspector that he had landed downhill, because while in the air, he ascertained that would be the best angle to execute a landing in the confined operation zone. The downwind conditions resulted in the tail of the helicopter being lower than normal. During touchdown, the helicopter's tail boom collided with the upslope terrain. The gear box was destroyed and the tail boom was bent 30 degrees.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain adequate tail rotor clearance from the sloping terrain in unfavorable wind conditions.

Full Narrative

On July 7, 2002, about 1200 Hawaiian standard time, an Eurocopter AS350 BA, N141MK, collided with terrain while the pilot was attempting to land near Honolulu, Hawaii. Schuman Aviation, Ltd., was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 135. The pilot and three passengers were not injured; the helicopter sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company flight plan had been filed. The nonscheduled domestic passenger flight originated from Honolulu about 1140, with a planned destination of a landing site near Wili Wili Nui Ridge, about 7 miles from Honolulu. During a telephone interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator, passengers reported that the weather was good and the winds were calm. As the helicopter began the approach to landing, it passed over a 6-foot fence and settled hard onto dirt. The tail rotor struck the ground resulting in the loss of a tail rotor blade and damage to the tail boom. The aircraft rotated about 10 to 20 degrees in the dirt and the skids were not damaged. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector recalled visiting the accident site and examining the helicopter after the accident occurred. He stated that the pilot was attempting to land the helicopter to the south, on downsloping terrain. The pilot told him that he had landed downhill, because while in the air, he ascertained that would be the best angle to execute a landing in the confined operation zone. The downwind conditions resulted in the tail boom of the helicopter being lower than normal. While the pilot was attempting to touchdown, the tail boom collided with the terrain. The gear box was destroyed and the tail boom was bent 30 degrees. Despite numerous attempts by the Safety Board, the pilot and operator failed to submit an NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 HST
Nearest AirportRemote Landing Zone (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAerospatiale AS350 BA
Tail NumberN141MK
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSchuman Aviation
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsTurbomeca · Arriel 1 Seri · Turboshaft

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 14 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data