AgustaWestland AW109SP N631HC

Summary

On 8 October 2024 at about 10:30 local time, a AgustaWestland AW109SP registered N631HC, operated by IHC Health Services Inc, was involved in an accident near Kamas, Utah, United States. 3 people were on board and one 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

8 October 2024 at 10:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Kamas, Utah, United States

Coordinates

40.9350, -110.6662

Aircraft

AgustaWestland AW109SP

Registration

N631HC

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2013

Engines

2

Operator

IHC Health Services Inc

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Purpose of flight

Business

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Logan → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night

NTSB number

WPR25LA006

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot’s exceedance of the helicopter’s available power while landing in a confined area, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and a hard landing.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of the helicopter reported that he mistakenly added more fuel than was required to complete a mountainous terrain, confined area landing at an elevation of 10,276 ft msl. During his approach to the landing area, the helicopter descended below the tree line preventing a go-around. As the helicopter descended, the pilot increased collective to add power, but he observed a high torque indication of 111% and he felt the “sluggish” performance of the helicopter. The tail rotor effectiveness diminished, an uncommanded right yaw ensued, and the helicopter landed hard, which resulted in substantial damage to the lower fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the powered glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.