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February 18, 2020 · Aerospatiale AS350 B2 · N188FS

Tampa, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 18, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Tampa, FL
Aircraft
Aerospatiale AS350 B2 (2014)
Tail Number
N188FS
Operator
Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA20CA106

The flight instructor in the helicopter reported that he directed the pilot receiving instruction to conduct an autorotation with a 180° turn, followed by a power recovery. Abeam the departure end of runway, he moved the throttle lever from the "fly" position to idle. While conducting the maneuver, the pilot overshot the runway and aligned the helicopter with the parallel taxiway. Upon realizing that the helicopter was not in the correct position, the pilots chose to abort the maneuver and perform a go-around. While the pilot continued to fly the helicopter, the instructor inadvertently moved the throttle lever from idle aft toward the "off" position and then forward to the "fly" position. The engine experienced a total loss of power, and the instructor adjusted the throttle to no avail. As the helicopter descended, the pilot requested that the instructor "get on the controls." The instructor took the controls, conducted a power-off autorotation, and landed the helicopter on the taxiway. The helicopter skidded about 180 ft, departed the taxiway onto adjacent grass, and came to rest in a drainage ditch. The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administrator inspector who examined the helicopter reported that the left antivibrator mount beam had sustained substantial damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor's inadvertent throttle reduction below idle, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and subsequent impact with terrain following a power-off autorotation.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor of the helicopter reported that, he directed the airplane rated pilot to conduct an autorotation with a 180° turn, followed with a power recovery. Abeam the departure end of runway, he moved the throttle lever from the FLY position to IDLE. While conducting the maneuver, the student pilot overshot the runway and aligned the helicopter with the parallel taxiway. Upon realizing the unacceptable position, they elected to abort the maneuver and perform a go-around. While the student pilot continued to fly the helicopter, the instructor inadvertently moved the throttle lever from IDLE, aft, towards the OFF position, then forward, to the FLY position. The engine experienced a total loss of power and the instructor adjusted the throttle to no avail. As the helicopter continued the descent, the student pilot requested that the instructor "get on the controls". The instructor left the throttle in the full power position, took the controls and conduct a power-off autorotation. The helicopter landed on the taxiway, skidded about 180 feet, departed the taxiway, onto the adjacent grass and came to rest in a drainage ditch.The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administrator inspector who examined the helicopter at the accident site reported damage to the left anti-vibrator mount beam.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:50 EST
Nearest AirportTampa Executive (0nm S)
Runway18
Runway Length3219 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAerospatiale AS350 B2
Tail NumberN188FS
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHillsborough County Sheriffs Office
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsSafran/Turbomeca · Arriel 1D1 · Turboshaft · 72195
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 56 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 32 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 5 kt, gusting 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 4900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time21:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data