Gazelle helicopter destroyed by fire following engine power loss

Casualties unknown • Private landing field, Enfield, Greater London, GB

An Aerospatiale SA341G Gazelle was destroyed by fire in a private garden in London after the pilot experienced a loss of engine power during a repositioning maneuver.

What happened

On 14 July 2018, a pilot was attempting to move an Aerospatiale SA341G Gazelle, registration YU-HMC, from one area of a private garden in Enfield, Greater London, to another. The intention was to move the aircraft closer to the house for cleaning before departing for Elstree.

After completing pre-flight checks, the pilot lifted the helicopter into a hover of approximately 5 to 10 feet. As the pilot initiated a right turn, the engine appeared to lose power. In an attempt to return to the original takeoff location, the aircraft descended approximately 20 metres short of the target. The helicopter struck uneven ground containing wooden pallets and building materials, causing it to roll onto its side.

The pilot exited the aircraft immediately. Although the emergency fuel shutoff lever had not been engaged and the engine continued to run at low power, the pilot moved away from the wreckage. A post-crash fire subsequently broke out, destroying the helicopter. There were no injuries to the pilot.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the power loss could not be definitively determined, but the investigation suggests that accumulated deposits in the engine air path may have reduced the compression rate, leading to an overtemperature condition and subsequent loss of power.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-07-14 Aerospatiale SA341G Gazelle accident near Private landing field, Enfield, Greater London, GB?

An Aerospatiale SA341G Gazelle was destroyed by fire in a private garden in London after the pilot experienced a loss of engine power during a repositioning maneuver.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-07-14 involved a Aerospatiale SA341G Gazelle, registration YU-HMC , at Private landing field, Enfield, Greater London, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the power loss could not be definitively determined, but the investigation suggests that accumulated deposits in the engine air path may have reduced the compression rate, leading to an overtemperature condition and subsequent loss of power.

Loading the flight search…