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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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June 13, 2016 · Eurocopter EC120 B · N372HS

Ajo, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 13, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Ajo, AZ
Aircraft
Eurocopter EC120 B (2006)
Tail Number
N372HS
Operator
Department of Homeland Security
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA318

The pilot of a skid equipped helicopter reported that after landing on a volcanic rock hill top, the pilot exited the running helicopter. The pilot further reported that he heard an audible change in the sound of the main rotor and observed the ground under the right skid of the helicopter give way and the helicopter rolled to the right. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom. According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published FAA-H-8083-21A Helicopter Flying Handbook (2012). This handbook discusses pilots at the flight controls and states in part: "Many helicopter operators have been lured into a "quick turnaround" ground operation to avoid delays at airport terminals and to minimize stop/start cycles of the engine. As part of this quick turn-around, the pilot might leave the cockpit with the engine and rotors turning. Such an operation can be extremely hazardous if a gust of wind disturbs the rotor disk, or the collective flight control moves causing lift to be generated by the rotor system. Either occurrence may cause the helicopter to roll or pitch, resulting in a rotor blade striking the tail boom or the ground. Good operating procedures dictate that, generally, pilots remain at the flight controls whenever the engine is running and the rotors are turning".

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to exit the helicopter with the engine and rotors turning and the selection of unsuitable terrain for a landing, which resulted in a roll over.

Full Narrative

The pilot of a skid equipped helicopter reported that after landing on a volcanic rock hill top, the pilot exited the running helicopter. The pilot further reported that he heard an audible change in the sound of the main rotor and observed the ground under the right skid of the helicopter give way and the helicopter rolled to the right. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom. According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published FAA-H-8083-21A Helicopter Flying Handbook (2012). This handbook discusses pilots at the flight controls and states in part: "Many helicopter operators have been lured into a "quick turnaround" ground operation to avoid delays at airport terminals and to minimize stop/start cycles of the engine. As part of this quick turn-around, the pilot might leave the cockpit with the engine and rotors turning. Such an operation can be extremely hazardous if a gust of wind disturbs the rotor disk, or the collective flight control moves causing lift to be generated by the rotor system. Either occurrence may cause the helicopter to roll or pitch, resulting in a rotor blade striking the tail boom or the ground. Good operating procedures dictate that, generally, pilots remain at the flight controls whenever the engine is running and the rotors are turning".

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:10 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEurocopter EC120 B
Tail NumberN372HS
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDepartment of Homeland Security
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsTurbomecca · Arrius 2F · Turboshaft · 431
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 C
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time17:57
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data