Summary
On November 16, 2001, a Eurocopter AS-350-BA (N6101U) was involved in an incident near Swanee, GA. All 5 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's improper visual lookout while hovering the helicopter, which resulted in the helicopter's main rotor blades colliding with a light post.
On November 16, 2001, about 1600 eastern standard time, a Eurocopter AS-350-BA, N6101U, registered to, and operated by Williams Air Services Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 corporate flight, incurred damage to the main rotor blades in Swanee, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The airline transport-rated pilot and four passengers were not injured, and the aircraft incurred substantial damage.
The pilot stated that he was hovering the helicopter in front of a house, and the main rotor blades struck a driveway light post, removing the top ornament from the post. According to the pilot, he landed the helicopter immediately and secured it, but the blades had incurred damage as a result of them having struck the post.
This incident is documented in NTSB report MIA02LA040. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N6101U.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper visual lookout while hovering the helicopter, which resulted in the helicopter's main rotor blades colliding with a light post.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On November 16, 2001, about 1600 eastern standard time, a Eurocopter AS-350-BA, N6101U, registered to, and operated by Williams Air Services Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 corporate flight, incurred damage to the main rotor blades in Swanee, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The airline transport-rated pilot and four passengers were not injured, and the aircraft incurred substantial damage.
The pilot stated that he was hovering the helicopter in front of a house, and the main rotor blades struck a driveway light post, removing the top ornament from the post. According to the pilot, he landed the helicopter immediately and secured it, but the blades had incurred damage as a result of them having struck the post. The pilot stated that prior to the accident, there were no failures or malfunctions to any of the helicopter's systems.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA02LA040