4 Jan 2020: Sud Aviation SE 3130 ALOUETTE II No Series

4 Jan 2020: Sud Aviation SE 3130 ALOUETTE II No Series — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Mokelumne Hills, CA, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during a hover-taxi, which resulted in the helicopter's skid contacting grass and a subsequent dynamic roll-over.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that after about 20 minutes of flight, he returned to a private runway. The pilot descended to the runway and he began a hover-taxi to the other end. While hovering, the right skid made contact with the grass adjacent to the runway. The helicopter rolled over on its right ride, damaging the main rotor blades. The pilot reported that he thought that the accident could have been prevented if he had a faster and quicker reaction time.

The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Pilot
  • cause Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 320/11kt, vis 10sm

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