ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 122832
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| Date: | Sunday 29 May 2011 |
| Time: | 11:45 |
| Type: |  Eurocopter AS 350B2 Ecureuil |
| Owner/operator: | Sovereign International Equities, LLC |
| Registration: | N747CH |
| MSN: | 3794 |
| Year of manufacture: | 2004 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 2168 hours |
| Engine model: | Turbomeca ARRIEL 1D1 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | near Fort Worth Alliance Airport, TX -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Approach |
| Nature: | Training |
| Departure airport: | Fort Worth, TX (AFW) |
| Fort Worth, TX (AFW) | |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The pilot had recently purchased the helicopter and was receiving flight training from a certified flight instructor (CFI). During practice traffic pattern work, the helicopter’s hydraulic system was turned off to simulate hydraulic failure on the flight control system. During the approach, the airport’s ground controller reported that they were on the wrong radio frequency, so the CFI changed the radio to the correct frequency. The helicopter’s airspeed slowed and the helicopter entered an uncommanded left yaw. The CFI tried to regain control by adding right pedal, trying to gain for forward airspeed, and reducing power. The helicopter did not respond to the CFI’s control inputs. Subsequently, the helicopter impacted the ground, rolled on to its side, and a postcrash fire ensued. A postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations. A review of the helicopter’s flight manual reveals the note: “Caution, Do not attempt to carry out hover flight or any low speed maneuver without hydraulic pressure assistance. The intensity and direction of the control feedback forces will change rapidly. This will result in excessive pilot workload, poor aircraft control, and possible loss of control." Additionally, one or both pilots may have been distracted by the incorrect radio frequency.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s loss of control due to his not maintaining adequate airspeed and altitude during a simulated hydraulic flight control failure. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision and delayed remedial response.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 30-May-2011 01:36 | gerard57 | Added |
| 30-May-2011 03:46 | RobertMB | Updated [Aircraft type, Location, Nature, Departure airport, Source, Narrative] |
| 31-May-2011 03:36 | RobertMB | Updated [Aircraft type, Registration, Cn, Operator, Source] |
| 30-Sep-2016 17:06 | Aerossurance | Updated [Time, Operator, Location, Phase, Destination airport, Source, Narrative] |
| 21-Dec-2016 19:25 | ASN Update Bot | Updated [Time, Damage, Category, Investigating agency] |
| 27-Nov-2017 16:54 | ASN Update Bot | Updated [Operator, Other fatalities, Departure airport, Destination airport, Source, Narrative] |
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