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August 4, 2022 · Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 · N833SB

Chino, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 4, 2022
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Chino, CA
Aircraft
Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 (2017)
Tail Number
N833SB
Operator
San Bernardino County Sheriffs Dept
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR22LA291

The pilot of the helicopter reported that he noticed a slight bounce during flight that felt like an out of balance main rotor blade. The pilot diverted to a nearby airport as the helicopter began to shake aggressively with a whipping noise heard. During the approach, the shaking worsened, and the pilot elected to perform a run-on landing at the airport. During the following inspection, it was revealed that the main rotor blades were substantially damaged due to delamination. There was also evidence of impact marks near the tip blades that was consistent with contact with vegetation. The operator reported that, 2 days before the accident flight, the blades may have impacted vegetation during an “off-site” landing. According to that pilot, while the front left seat passenger was exiting the helicopter, she inadvertently sat down on the left side collective, pushing it to the full-down position. The helicopter rolled backwards suddenly, resulting in the heels of the skids contacting the ground. The pilot corrected the helicopter’s attitude and checked that the collective’s movement was normal. The helicopter was shut down shortly after and tail and main rotor blades were inspected by the pilot who reported that he didn’t see any evidence of impact at that time. Maintenance personnel inspected the helicopter following the flight and no statements or writeup was found during the investigation. The three pilots that flew the helicopter after the unidentified impact all reported that they felt a slight bounce in the helicopter at speeds of approximately 115 knots and thought that it was a slight out of balance/track rotor and was not that significant.

NTSB Probable Cause

The subsequent delamination of the main rotor blades as a result of an unidentified main rotor blade impact with vegetation during a previous flight by another pilot.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the helicopter reported that, he noticed a slight bounce during flight that felt like an out of balance main rotor blade. The pilot diverted to a nearby airport as the helicopter began to shake aggressively with a whipping noise hear. During the approach, the shaking worsened, and the pilot elected to perform a run-on landing at the airport. During the following inspection, it was revealed that the main rotor blades were substantially damaged due to delamination. There was also evidence of impact marks near the tip blades that was consistent with contact with vegetation. The operator reported that, 2 days before the accident flight, the blades may have impacted vegetation during an “off-site” landing. According to that pilot, while the front left seat passenger was exiting the helicopter, she inadvertently sat down on the left side collective, pushing it to the full-down position. The helicopter rolled backwards suddenly, resulting in the heels of the skids to contact the ground. The pilot corrected the helicopter’s attitude and checked that the collective’s movement was normal. The helicopter was shut down shortly after and tail and main rotor blades were inspected by the pilot who reported that he didn’t see any evidence of impact at that time. Maintenance personnel inspected the helicopter following the flight and no statements or writeup was found during the investigation. The three pilots that flew the helicopter after the unidentified impact all reported that they felt a slight bounce in the helicopter at speeds of approximately 115 knots and thought that it was a slight out of balance/track rotor and was not that significant.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:45 PDT
Nearest AirportN/A (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAirbus Helicopters AS350B3
Tail NumberN833SB
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSan Bernardino County Sheriffs Dept
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsSafran · Arriel 2D · Turboshaft
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · None
Crew 2Age 45 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data