What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-10-24 involved a Airbus Helicopters EC130 B4, registration F-GOLH, at Megève, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost control of the aircraft's yaw during a left-hand rotation for takeoff, leading to an uncontrolled spin and subsequent ground impact.

Loss of yaw control leads to helicopter crash in Megève

An Airbus Helicopters EC130 B4 crashed during a sightseeing flight in France after the pilot lost control of the aircraft's yaw during takeoff.

What happened

On 24 October 2015, an Airbus Helicopters EC1 130 B4, registered F-GOLH, was performing a sightseeing flight from the Megève altiport. After completing three successful flights that morning, the pilot began the fourth flight by stabilizing the aircraft in a hover within the ground effect. As the pilot attempted to rotate the helicopter to the left to align with the climb-out path, the aircraft experienced a sudden and uncontrolled increase in yaw rate.

The rotation continued far beyond the intended heading, causing the helicopter to spin several times. In an attempt to avoid hitting trees, the pilot lowered the collective pitch to land the aircraft, but the helicopter ultimately collided with the ground below a slope near the takeoff area. The impact resulted in the destruction of the helicopter and caused six injuries, including the pilot and five passengers.

The investigation

The BEA examined the wreckage and the flight data. Physical inspection of the F-GOLH showed that the engine was providing power at the time of impact and the rotor struck the ground with significant energy. The fenestron tail rotor and its associated drive shafts were found to be intact and functional, with no evidence of pre-existing damage or mechanical failure. Technical analysis of the VEMD and the Helicom recorder revealed no technical malfunctions from engine start until the collision.

Investigators also analyzed video footage from a ground witness. The footage confirmed that while previous flights followed a standard rotation pattern, the fourth flight saw the leftward rotation accelerate significantly once the aircraft passed the climb-out heading. The investigation also noted that the pilot was not wearing a protective helmet during the flight.

Findings

The pilot lost the ability to stop or slow the leftward rotation initiated during the takeoff maneuver.
The pilot was unable to maintain yaw control during the rotation to the climb-out path.
The use of a fenestron-type tail rotor requires sharp, decisive pedal inputs to counteract high yaw rates, which may have been difficult to execute during the rapid rotation.
The pilot's decision to lower the collective pitch helped prevent a more severe outcome, though the lack of a protective helmet contributed to the pilot's head and hand injuries.