Summary
On November 13, 2014, a Aerospatiale AS350BA (N425U) was involved in an accident near Panguitch, UT. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The flight instructor's delayed reaction in taking control of the helicopter during a student pilot's loss of control while landing.
During an instructional flight, the student was practicing "hydraulic off" landings. The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) stated that he had to take control of the helicopter during the landing, due to the student pilot's loss of control of the helicopter's yaw and pitch. The CFI was unable to prevent the helicopter from rotating and it inadvertently struck the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the tail boom and main rotor blades. The CFI reported no preexisting mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR15CA040. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N425U.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The flight instructor's delayed reaction in taking control of the helicopter during a student pilot's loss of control while landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
During an instructional flight, the student was practicing "hydraulic off" landings. The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) stated that he had to take control of the helicopter during the landing, due to the student pilot's loss of control of the helicopter's yaw and pitch. The CFI was unable to prevent the helicopter from rotating and it inadvertently struck the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the tail boom and main rotor blades. The CFI reported no preexisting mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR15CA040