Summary
On July 13, 2012, a Sud Aviation/eurocopter ALOUETTE II SE313B (N45VX) was involved in an incident near Glenn, CA. All 1 person 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 inadequate compensation for a tailwind while hovering, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
While hovering the student pilot lost directional control and the helicopter spun around to the left 3 1/2 turns before rolling over after the right skid collapsed. The pilot reported that he had a tailwind of about 5 knots. The pilot said there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR12CA303. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N45VX.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate compensation for a tailwind while hovering, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
While hovering the student pilot lost directional control and the helicopter spun around to the left 3 1/2 turns before rolling over after the right skid collapsed. The pilot reported that he had a tailwind of about 5 knots. The pilot said there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA303