BELL 206
Venice, LA — April 13, 2011
Event Information
| Date | April 13, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN11CA303 |
| Event ID | 20110425X02736 |
| Location | Venice, LA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 28.95028, -89.38583 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | BELL |
| Model | 206 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's improper use of the collective and cyclic control during taxi operations, which induced a dynamic rollover.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the fixed-float equipped helicopter reported he was water-taxiing in a right sideways direction when the helicopter rolled to the right, impacted the water, rolled inverted, and submerged. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was able to exit the inverted cockpit, inflate his life vest and swim to shore. The impact caused substantial damage to the main rotor system, tail rotor, and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the helicopter. The helicopter's tendency to continue rolling when the critical angle is exceeded, as when one skid is caught on the surface, and the helicopter pivots around that point, is dynamic rollover.
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.