SIKORSKY S76
New Iberia, LA — February 18, 2018
Event Information
| Date | February 18, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA138 |
| Event ID | 20180223X34238 |
| Location | New Iberia, LA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 30.03722, -91.88167 |
| Airport | ACADIANA RGNL |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | SIKORSKY |
| Model | S76 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 135 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | IMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 5 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The helicopter’s striking of a pothole while taxiing, which resulted in the right main landing gear collapsing.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that while the co-pilot was taxiing the wheel-equipped helicopter to the runway for departure, he saw a "bump" on the concrete. The co-pilot reported that he attempted to stop before the "bump", which turned out to be a pothole, but the helicopter struck the pothole with the right main landing gear, which collapsed. The pilot and the co-pilot both reported that the taxi speed was less than 5 knots.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the internal fuselage structure.
The Director of Operations reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.