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