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NTSB Report
March 8, 2009 · Eurocopter AS350BA · N234AH
Long Beach, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 8, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Long Beach, CA
Aircraft
Eurocopter AS350BA
Tail Number
N234AH
Operator
Island Express Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA148
The helicopter pilot said that he thought that the approach to the helipad seemed and felt normal, but in retrospect was flat. A witness thought that the approach was flat and fast. He indicated that the helicopter was in a nose-high attitude when the tail rotor hit the ground between rocks at the waterline and the edge of the pad. The pilot felt a jolt followed by a shutter. Because of the tail rotor damage, the helicopter yawed out of control to the left. It rotated 360 degrees as the pilot lowered the collective. Once completely on the ground, he pulled the fuel flow control lever out of the flight gate, pulled the emergency fuel shutoff control, and powered everything down while applying the main rotor brake.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The pilot said he thought that the approach to the helipad seemed and felt normal, but in retrospect was flat. A witness on a passing ship thought that the approach was flat and fast. He indicated that the helicopter was in a nose high attitude when the tail rotor hit the ground between rocks at the waterline and the edge of the pad. The pilot felt a jolt followed by a shutter. Because of the tail rotor damage, the helicopter yawed out of control to the left. It rotated 360 degrees as the pilot lowered the collective. Once completely on the ground, he pulled the fuel flow control lever (FFC) out of the flight gate, pulled the emergency fuel shutoff control, and powered everything down while applying the main rotor brake.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:50 PDT
Nearest AirportQueensway Heliport (0nm)
Runway01
Runway Length60 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftEurocopter AS350BA
Tail NumberN234AH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorIsland Express Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsTurbomeca · Ariel 1D1 · Turboshaft · 650
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 31 · First Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:00
Weather SourceWFAC