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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

March 26, 2016 · Bell 206B B · N52Q

Hanford, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 26, 2016
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Hanford, CA
Aircraft
Bell 206B B (1978)
Tail Number
N52Q
Operator
Premier Rotors
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA165

According to the pilot, he was performing a rehearsal 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 flight, during which he was familiarizing himself with the helicopter's Satlock aerial application system. He reported that while flying at the airspeed of about 60 miles per hour, at 10 feet above ground level, he removed his hand from the collective in order to advance to the next screen on the Satlock display. He recounted that the collective decreased which subsequently decreased themain rotor blade angle and decreased the engine power; the helicopter descended, impacted the terrain, and rolled several times before coming to rest. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the frame, rotor systems and the power train. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the helicopter prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to release the collective while flying at 10 feet above ground level, resulting in the rapid helicopter descent and impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, he was performing a rehearsal 14 CFR Part 137 flight, during which he was familiarizing himself with the helicopter's Satlock aerial application system. He reported that while flying at the airspeed of about sixty miles per hour (MPH), at ten feet above ground level (AGL), he removed his hand from the collective in order to advance to the next screen on the Satlock display. He recounted that the collective decreased which subsequently decreased themain rotor blade angle and decreased the engine power; the helicopter descended, impacted the terrain, and rolled several times before coming to rest. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the frame, rotor systems and the power train. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the helicopter prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B B
Tail NumberN52Q
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPremier Rotors
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250 · Turboshaft · 400
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 45 C
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data