Aerospatiale AS-350B N61TV

Summary

On 28 July 1997 at about 10:30 local time, a Aerospatiale AS-350B registered N61TV was involved in an accident near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

28 July 1997 at 10:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Nearest airport

Penn's Landing Heliport (P72)

Coordinates

39.9395, -75.1503

Aircraft

Aerospatiale AS-350B

Registration

N61TV

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC97LA154

2 people had minor injuries.

failure of the pilot to follow the checklist and verify the throttle was in the ON position before lift-off, which resulted in low rotor RPM and loss of control, while attempting to hover/taxi.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he lifted the helicopter off the dolly, and as he air taxied, it became uncontrollable. During the subsequent landing, the helicopter rolled over on its right side. Both the pilot and passenger reported hearing a warning horn and seeing a light on the instrument panel illuminated. Additionally, the passenger heard and felt a rumble and thought the helicopter rotated nose left once or twice prior to touchdown. A check of the hydraulic system failed to reveal any failure or malfunction. An uncommanded loss of hydraulic pressure could not be induced. A check of SDRs revealed no previous uncommanded loss of hydraulic pressure. The checklist called for the three position engine throttle to be brought to the ON position after engine start. In a flight test conducted by the manufacturer, a takeoff was initiated with the throttle not advanced all they way to the ON position. Once airborne, a warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, the low rotor warning horn sounded, and a low rumble was felt and heard. The helicopter remained controllable, although increased movements were required for all controls.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.