Accident · 2012-11-23
What the record says
- Event date
- 2012-11-23
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury level
- Minor injury
- Aircraft
- EUROCOPTER AS350B3 2B1 (N3984A)
- Operating rule
- PUBU
- Operator
- Department of Homeland Security Operator named in NTSB report
- Operated by (per NTSB report)
- Department of Homeland Security
Probable cause
The pilot's distraction while retrieving an item behind him while the helicopter was on the ground with the engine running, which led to his aggressive overapplication of the flight controls after experiencing a ground resonance condition and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
Source: NTSB case WPR13TA051Flight crew
Certification and experience as recorded in the NTSB accident database for this event. The NTSB records these facts about the crew's flying history; GroundCheck shows them as filed, without names or identities.
| Role | Certificate | Instrument rating | Age | Medical | Flight hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot pilot flying | Commercial | Helicopter | 31 | Class 2 (2012-03-22) | 2,240 total · 687 in this make/model · 1,900 as PIC · 95 last 90 days |
Facts as the NTSB records them — GroundCheck adds no judgement. Preliminary records may be revised as the investigation proceeds.