5 fatalities

8 Dec 2011: EUROCOPTER FRANCE AS350B2 (N37SH) — SUNDANCE HELICOPTERS INC — Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, NV, United States

On 8 Dec 2011, an EUROCOPTER FRANCE AS350B2 (registration N37SH) operated by SUNDANCE HELICOPTERS INC was involved in an aviation accident near Las Vegas, NV. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Sundance Helicopters’ inadequate maintenance of the helicopter, including (1) the improper reuse of a degraded self-locking nut, (2) the improper or lack of installation of a split pin, and (3) inadequate postmaintenance inspections, which resulted in the… This summary draws on records from NTSB; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

On December 7, 2011, a Eurocopter AS350-B2 helicopter operated by Sundance Helicopters crashed about 14 miles east of Las Vegas, killing the pilot and four passengers. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and fire.

Accident Details

On December 7, 2011, at about 1630 Pacific standard time, a Sundance Helicopters, Inc., Eurocopter AS350-B2 helicopter, registration N37SH, crashed in mountainous terrain approximately 14 miles east of Las Vegas, Nevada. The helicopter was operating as a scheduled air tour flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135, designated as a "Twilight tour" sightseeing trip. The pilot and all four passengers were killed, and the helicopter was destroyed by impact forces and a postimpact fire.

Flight Information

The flight originated from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport at about 1621, with an intended route of flight to the Hoover Dam area and return to the airport. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, with good visibility and dusk light. The flight was operating under visual flight rules.

Aircraft and Equipment

The helicopter was registered to and operated by Sundance Helicopters, Inc. It was not equipped, and was not required to be equipped, with any onboard recording devices.

The full report is available from the National Transportation Safety Board under report number NTSB/AAR-13/01.

Contributing factors

Incorrect service/maintenanceMaintenance personnelRotorcraft servo system — FailureAttain/maintain not possibleOperator