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NTSB Report
January 12, 2018 · Bell UH 1H NO Series · N205KS
Van Nuys, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 12, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Van Nuys, CA
Aircraft
Bell UH 1H NO Series (1965)
Tail Number
N205KS
Operator
Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA107
The pilot reported that, while hovering the helicopter to park between three stationary helicopters, the ground crew gave him the signal for a 180° "pedal turn." As the helicopter was about to touch down, he felt a shudder in the airframe. He then immediately rolled the throttle closed and completed an emergency shutdown. Postaccident examination revealed that the tail rotor blades struck the main blades of a stationary helicopter, which likely caused the shudder felt by the pilot. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor and main rotor systems. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a stationary helicopter during landing. Contributing to the accident was the ground crew’s failure to ensure that the helicopter would clear the stationary helicopter.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, while hovering the helicopter to park between three stationary helicopters, he had been given the signal for a 180 degree "pedal turn" by the ground crew. As the helicopter was about to touchdown, he felt a shudder in the airframe, immediately rolled the throttle closed, and completed an emergency shutdown. A post-accident examination revealed that the tail rotor blades struck the main blades of a stationary helicopter. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor and main rotor systems. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:15 PST
Nearest AirportVANNUYS (0nm ESE)
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell UH 1H NO Series
Tail NumberN205KS
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSanta Barbara County Air Support Unit
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsHoneywell · T53-703 · Turboshaft · 1800
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 45 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 45 C
Altimeter30.19 inHg
Observation Time16:51
Weather SourceWFAC