AS350 helicopter pilot reported during cruise; losing hydraulic system pressure on the collective control. Pilot landed safely on taxiway with no damage or injuries.
Synopsis
AS350 helicopter pilot reported during cruise; losing hydraulic system pressure on the collective control. Pilot landed safely on taxiway with no damage or injuries.
Narrative
It was my second flight of the day in Aircraft X; first night tour. I had 6 passengers on board 60% fuel; 7 souls total. Startup was performed per the checklist. On the tour around XA:53 abeam the building; the HYD light illuminated and Horn sounded in the cockpit. I Slowed to 60 kts. announced to Tower I was slowing. Still felt hydraulic pressure and once I was slow the horn and light extinguished. I asked Tower for a landing direct back to base. I remained at 60 kts. then the HYD light and horn came on again. I followed the procedure and isolated the hydraulics on the collective and [requested priority handling]. Came in to land on no man's land but the 20plus kt. wind pushed me to the left at the bottom so I went with it and set down on Taxiway 1 around 8 kts. or so and slid a couple of feet. No hard landing; no aircraft damage; and no injuries. Airport manager met me at the helicopter as well as the fire crews. He took a photo of my badge said good job; took a couple photos and that was that. We moved the aircraft off the taxiway within 10mins. Called and spoke with Tower and they were pleased with how everything went.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.