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NTSB Report
June 27, 2024 · Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3 · N174SC
Sanford, FL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 27, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Sanford, FL
Aircraft
Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3 (2023)
Tail Number
N174SC
Operator
Seminole County Sheriffs Office
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA24LA287
As part of a law enforcement simulation exercise, the helicopter pilot was orbiting near the departure airport between 200 to 300 ft above ground level, at 20 to 40 knots indicated airspeed. The pilot described that while the helicopter was in a left orbit the airspeed decreased to near 0. At that time, the helicopter began to descend in a vortex ring state (VRS). Due to the low altitude, the pilot was not able to recover from VRS and entered an autorotation to a grass area on the airport. The helicopter subsequently landed hard and came to rest upright in the grass area resulting in substantial damage to the helicopter’s tail boom. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter.
NTSB Probable Cause
The helicopter pilot’s improper maneuvering at low altitude in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in the helicopter entering a vortex ring state, and hard landing during a subsequent autorotation.
Full Narrative
As part of a law enforcement simulation exercise, the helicopter pilot was orbiting near the departure airport between 200 to 300 ft above ground level, at 20 to 40 knots indicated airspeed. The pilot described that while the helicopter was in a left orbit the airspeed decreased to near 0. At that time, the helicopter began to descend in a vortex ring state (VRS). Due to the low altitude, the pilot was not able to recover from VRS and entered an autorotation to a grass area on the airport. The helicopter subsequently landed hard and came to rest upright in the grass area resulting in substantial damage to the helicopter’s tail boom. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:34 EDT
Nearest AirportOrlando Sanford International (1nm E)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAirbus Helicopters AS350 B3
Tail NumberN174SC
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSeminole County Sheriffs Office
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsSafran · ARRIEL 2D · Turboshaft · 952
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 11 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Altimeter29.88 inHg
Observation Time15:49
Weather SourceWFAC