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Helicopter Accident: Loss of Directional Control During Hover

Glenn, CA, United States

On July 13, 2012, a SUD AVIATION/EUROCOPTER ALOUETTE II SE313B operated by Priority Farms was involved in an aviation accident near Glenn, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for a tailwind while hovering, which resulted in a loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot lost directional control while hovering in a tailwind, causing the helicopter to spin left and roll over after the right skid collapsed. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were reported.

Incident Overview and Pilot Report During a hover, a student pilot lost directional control of the helicopter. The aircraft spun to the left for 3 1/2 turns before rolling over. The pilot reported a tailwind of approximately 5 knots at the time of the incident. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter. The right skid collapsed during the sequence of events, leading to the aircraft rolling over. The source does not provide specific details regarding the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, or the final determined cause of the accident.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedResponse/compensation

Related events

Same aircraft family

  • 1 Mar 2023 — SUD AVIATION/EUROCOPTER ALOUETTE II SE313B (Gospel Ministries International INC)

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jul 2012 SUD AVIATION/EUROCOPTER ALOUETTE II SE313B accident near Glenn, CA?

A student pilot lost directional control while hovering in a tailwind, causing the helicopter to spin left and roll over after the right skid collapsed. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Jul 2012 SUD AVIATION/EUROCOPTER ALOUETTE II SE313B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jul 2012 involved a SUD AVIATION/EUROCOPTER ALOUETTE II SE313B, operated by Priority Farms, at Glenn, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a tailwind while hovering, which resulted in a loss of directional control.

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