Eurocopter AS 350 B2 accident near Lancaster, CA

On August 13, 2009, an Eurocopter AS 350 B2 (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Lancaster, CA. 3 people were seriously injured. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.

Date

August 13, 2009

Place

Lancaster, CA

Aircraft

Eurocopter AS 350 B2 · Helicopter

Injuries

0 fatal, 3 serious, 0 minor

Damage

Substantial

Position

34.741°N, 118.219°W

NTSB ID

20090814X30947

Official records · WPR09GA397

• Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation

NTSB summary

HISTORY OF FLIGHT On August 13, 2009, at 1230 Pacific daylight time, a Eurocopter AS 350 B2, N217LA, landed hard following a practice 180-degree autorotation at William J. Fox Field (WJF), Lancaster, California. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) – Air Support Division (ASD), operated the helicopter under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, as a public-use proficiency flight. A certified flight instructor (CFI)/check pilot and two certificated commercial pilots were all seriously injured. The helicopter was substantially damaged. The flight departed Van Nuys Airport (VNY), Van Nuys, California, at 1130. No flight plan had been filed. All three pilots stated that prior to departure from VNY, the weather in the area was reviewed and WJF was chosen due to the clear conditions. Training is normally done at the airports in Los Alamitos and Point Mugu, California. En route to WJF they obtained ATIS information, which indicated visibility more than 6 statute miles, clear skies, wind at 12 knots gusting to 19 knots. They also discussed the “4H’s – High, Hot, Heavy, and Humid, and how they affected flight.” Upon arrival at WJF, the altimeter was set to the field elevation, and the intent was to initiate all maneuvers at 500 feet above ground level. All three pilots reported that several maneuvers were performed with no issues identified. The flight continued with two 180-degree autorotations. The CFI reported that while performing the first 180-degree autorotation, the helicopter was not going to make the intended landing spot, it was steeper than normal;

Probable cause

The pilots’ decision to conduct a practice autorotation at low altitude in high density altitude conditions and their failure to attain and maintain an appropriate descent rate. Contributing to the accident was the high density altitude and the pilots’ failure to comply with Los Angeles Police Department guidance.

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Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.