AS350B2 Ecureuil, G-BXGA, 16 October 2012

From:
Air Accidents Investigation Branch
Published
10 December 2014
Category:
General aviation - rotorcraft
Report type:
Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
Date of occurrence:
16 October 2012
Aircraft type:
AS350B2 Ecureuil
Location:
1.5 nm south of Kettlewell, Yorkshire
Registration:
G-BXGA

AS350B2 Ecureuil, G-BXGA

Summary:

The helicopter was approaching a field site, with an empty chain lifting sling suspended below. During the approach, the sling struck the tail rotor blades, producing a loud bang and a high frequency vibration. Cockpit indications were normal, and the pilot continued to a minimum power landing. The helicopter operator introduced a number of safety actions as a result of this and a similar, earlier accident.

Download report:

AS350B2 Ecureuil G-BXGA 02-13.pdf (202.43 kb)

Published 10 December 2014