What happened
The pilot was operating the aircraft and performed clearing turns when he experienced an unexpected problem with the cyclic control system. This loss of control caused the helicopter to descend rapidly and collide with the ground.
Upon inspection, investigators found evidence that the tail rotor blades had separated after the initial impact with the terrain. The sequence of events suggests the primary failure occurred before the collision, leading directly to the accident.
The investigation
A thorough examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine the mechanical status of the aircraft prior to the crash. Investigators focused on the flight control systems and hydraulic components to identify any pre-existing faults.
The analysis revealed no discrepancies with the hydraulic system or the flight controls. This finding indicates that the failure was likely isolated to the cyclic control mechanism itself, rather than a broader systemic hydraulic failure.
Findings
The investigation concluded that the pilot's inability to maintain control stemmed from the cyclic control problem encountered during the maneuver. The subsequent collision with terrain resulted in significant damage to the tail rotor assembly.
cyclic control failure was identified as the primary factor leading to the loss of control. The absence of hydraulic discrepancies suggests the issue was specific to the control linkage or input mechanism.