Helicopter Collides with Terrain During Maintenance Test Flight

Accident Overview

A commercial pilot and a mechanic were performing a maintenance test flight to conduct a dynamic track and balance of the main rotor system when the accident occurred. According to a written statement from the pilot, the helicopter was in a three-foot hover and moving forward when control was lost. The helicopter subsequently collided with terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that the left cyclic control had been removed prior to the flight, but the protective cover was not installed. During the accident flight, the test equipment used for track and balance became entangled at the left cyclic attach point, preventing full cyclic control.

Damage

The collision with terrain caused substantial damage to the fuselage of the helicopter.