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January 4, 2020 · Sud Aviation SE 3130 Alouette II No Series · N92785

Mokelumne Hills, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 4, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Mokelumne Hills, CA
Aircraft
Sud Aviation SE 3130 Alouette II No Series (1958)
Tail Number
N92785
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR20CA059

The pilot reported that, after about 20 minutes of flight in the helicopter, he returned to a private runway. The pilot descended the helicopter and began a hover-taxi from one end of the runway to the other. During the hover, the right skid contacted grass adjacent to the runway. The helicopter rolled over on its right ride, which resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor blades. 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 adequate clearance from terrain during a hover-taxi, which resulted in the helicopter's skid contacting grass and a subsequent dynamic roll-over.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that after about 20 minutes of flight, he returned to a private runway. The pilot descended to the runway and he began a hover-taxi to the other end. While hovering, the right skid made contact with the grass adjacent to the runway. The helicopter rolled over on its right ride, damaging the main rotor blades. The pilot reported that he thought that the accident could have been prevented if he had a faster and quicker reaction time. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:09 PST
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSud Aviation SE 3130 Alouette II No Series
Tail NumberN92785
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 74 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 50
Altimeter30.35 inHg
Observation Time21:55
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data