AEROSPATIALE SA315B
Helena, OK — October 19, 2012
Event Information
| Date | October 19, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN13CA027 |
| Event ID | 20121024X92730 |
| Location | Helena, OK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.54639, -98.27055 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AEROSPATIALE |
| Model | SA315B |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 133 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to properly secure the cyclic and to stop the main rotor system before exiting the helicopter, which resulted in the main rotor blades striking the tail rotor driveshaft.
Full Narrative
The pilot was performing external load operations and landed the helicopter to reset a cone that had blown over by the wind. After landing, the pilot reduced the engine power to idle and exited the helicopter. While walking away from the helicopter, the pilot heard a bang and noticed the main rotor blades had contacted the tail boom area. The pilot ran back to the helicopter and pushed the cyclic forward which was in the full aft position. The pilot estimated the winds to be 18 knots, gusting to 24 knots, and reported he did not properly set the cyclic friction lock prior to departing the helicopter. Examination of the helicopter showed the tail rotor driveshaft had separated from the helicopter. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operations. According to the flight manual, the rotor brake should be applied to stop the main rotor system prior to exiting the helicopter.
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.