Eurocopter EC 120B, EI-IZO, 7 November 2003

From:
Air Accidents Investigation Branch
Published
10 December 2014
Category:
General aviation - rotorcraft
Report type:
Bulletin - Field investigation
Date of occurrence:
7 November 2003
Aircraft type:
Eurocopter EC 120B
Location:
Swansea Airport, West Glamorgan, Wales
Registration:
EI-IZO

Eurocopter EC 120B, EI-IZO

Summary:

The helicopter was stationary in the hover over the apron area at Swansea Airport when it unexpectedly yawed left and pitched nose down. The surface wind was a gusting crosswind, varying in direction, from the right and slightly behind the helicopter at 15 to 20 kt. The pilot attempted to recover but the cyclic control reached its aft limit of travel and he was unable to prevent the forward fuselage and front of the right skid contacting the paved surface, followed by the main rotor blades. The helicopter rolled over and slid along the ground for some distance before coming to rest against a vehicle. All persons on board escaped uninjured.

Download report:

Eurocopter-EC-120B,-EI-IZO.pdf (107.28 kb)

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Published 10 December 2014
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