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NTSB Report

May 25, 2014 · Aerospatiale AS 365 N2 Dauphin · N365WM

Constantine, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 25, 2014
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Constantine, MI
Aircraft
Aerospatiale AS 365 N2 Dauphin (1991)
Tail Number
N365WM
Operator
West Michigan Air Care
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN14CA252

The pilot reported that he positioned the helicopter to land on a westerly heading with the light and variable wind from the west. About 200 feet above the ground he noticed that the helicopter was descending so he increased the collective to arrest the rate of descent. The torque gage was increasing from 50% to 60%. He lowered the collective in attempt to get into clean air and then pulled back on the cyclic to arrest the forward airspeed. The pilot attempted to control the helicopter to the ground, maintain an upright attitude, and avoid obstacles. The helicopter landed hard and bounced once before it came to rest in the parking lot. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. A video of the accident sequence was reviewed and matched the pilot's statement. The video did not reveal any anomalies with the helicopter or the engine sounds. A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the right fuselage and lower right vertical stabilizer. The video evidence and pilot statement are consistent with the helicopter entering a vortex ring state (settling with power) condition, which allowed the helicopter to descend more rapidly than expected and land hard.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's loss of control while entering a vortex ring state (settling with power) condition, which resulted in a hard landing.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he positioned the helicopter to land on a westerly heading with the light and variable wind from the west. About 200 feet above the ground he noticed that the helicopter was descending so he increased the collective to arrest the rate of descent. The torque gage was increasing from 50% to 60%. He lowered the collective in attempt to get into clean air and then pulled back on the cyclic to arrest the forward airspeed. The helicopter continued to descend quickly so the pilot attempted to control the helicopter to the ground, maintain an upright attitude, and avoid obstacles. The helicopter landed hard and bounced once before it came to rest in the parking lot. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. A video of the accident sequence was reviewed. The video captured the helicopter as it approached the landing zone, made a right descending turn and then hover taxied over the landing zone. As the helicopter continued to descend, the rate of descent increased. The helicopter continued to the ground where it landed hard and bounced one time. It came to rest upright in the parking lot. The video did not reveal any anomalies with the helicopter or engine sounds. A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the right fuselage and lower right vertical stabilizer.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAerospatiale AS 365 N2 Dauphin
Tail NumberN365WM
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWest Michigan Air Care
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsTurbomeca · Arriel 1C2 · Turboshaft · 738 | Turbomeca · Arriel 1C2 · Turboshaft · 738
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 31 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time14:14
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data