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August 30, 2024 · Williams Helicopter UH-1H · N710WD

Colusa, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 30, 2024
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Colusa, CA
Aircraft
Williams Helicopter UH-1H (1965)
Tail Number
N710WD
Operator
A&P Helicopters
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR24LA299

The pilot of the helicopter reported that while repositioning closer to the loading equipment, the helicopter experienced collective bounce. He attempted to maneuver the helicopter to avoid equipment and personnel; however, control was lost and the helicopter impacted terrain. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations. The operators manual for the helicopter stated, in part, “Collective bounce is a pilot Induced vertical oscillation of the collective control system when an absolute friction (either pilot applied, or control rigged) is less than seven pounds. It may be encountered in any flight condition by a rapid buildup of vertical bounce at approximately three cycles per second. The seventy of the oscillation is such that effective control of the helicopter may become difficult to maintain. The pilot should apply and maintain adequate collective friction in all flight conditions.”

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to set collective friction which resulted in collective bounce and subsequent loss of control.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the helicopter reported that while repositioning closer to the loading equipment, the helicopter experienced collective bounce. He attempted to maneuver the helicopter to avoid equipment and personnel; however, control was lost and the helicopter impacted terrain. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations. The operators manual for the helicopter stated, in part, “Collective bounce is a pilot Induced vertical oscillation of the collective control system when an absolute friction (either pilot applied, or control rigged) is less than seven pounds. It may be encountered in any flight condition by a rapid buildup of vertical bounce at approximately three cycles per second. The seventy of the oscillation is such that effective control of the helicopter may become difficult to maintain. The pilot should apply and maintain adequate collective friction in all flight conditions.”

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:05 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWilliams Helicopter UH-1H
Tail NumberN710WD
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorA&P Helicopters
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsOzark-Aeroworks · T53-L-13B · Turboshaft · 1318
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 54 F
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time07:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data