Eurocopter AS-350-B2 N311TV
18 May 2001 · Houston, Texas, United States · Minor injuries
Summary
On 18 May 2001 at about 14:25 local time, a Eurocopter AS-350-B2 registered N311TV was involved in an accident near Houston, Texas, United States. One person was 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.
The record
- Date
- at 14:25
- Classification
- Accident
- Location
- Houston, Texas, United States
- Nearest airport
- KHOU-TV Heliport (66TS)
- Coordinates
- 29.6110, -95.1202
- Aircraft
- Eurocopter AS-350-B2
- Registration
- N311TV
- Category
- Helicopter
- Engines
- 1
- Operator
- Not recorded
- Operating rule
- Part 91: General Aviation
- Purpose of flight
- Business
- Phase of flight
- Not recorded
- Route
- Houston → Houston
- Aircraft damage
- Substantial
- Weather
- VMC
- Light
- Day
- NTSB number
- FTW01LA121
People
1 person had minor injuries.
| On board | Died | Serious | Minor | Uninjured |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Probable cause
the failure of the pilot to maintain control of the helicopter following an inadvertent deactivation of the hydraulic system, during final approach. A contributory factor was the unguarded hydraulic cut-off switch.
Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.
Read the full NTSB narrative
The helicopter was on final approach, approximately 15 feet above the roof top helipad, when the helicopter's controls "became very stiff." The pilot observed the "HYD" light on the caution panel illuminated; however, the audible hydraulic warning horn did not activate. Subsequently, the helicopter impacted the helipad with the right skid, and rolled onto its right side. Examination of the helicopter's cockpit revealed that the hydraulic cut-off switch, which is located on the collective control, was found in the cut-off position and its red plastic guard was broken (when the switch is in the cut-off position the hydraulic warning horn will not sound). The cockpit was examined for shattered pieces of the guard; however, none were found. The hydraulic system was examined and no leaks were noted. A functional test of the hydraulic pump and regulator/manifold revealed no anomalies with either unit.
Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.
Other Eurocopter AS-350 accidents
| Date | Aircraft | Location | Operator | Outcome | Died |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Mar 2001 | Eurocopter AS-350 B2 ECUREUIL | Mazama, Washington, United States | - | Minor injuries | - |
| 1 Feb 2001 | Eurocopter AS-350-B2 | Lihue, Hawaii, United States | Safari Helicopter, Inc. | Minor injuries | - |
| 16 Nov 2001 | Eurocopter AS-350-BA | Swanee, Georgia, United States | - | No injuries | - |
| 9 Sep 2001 | Eurocopter AS 350 BA | Skagway, Alaska, United States | - | No injuries | - |
| 21 Apr 2000 | Eurocopter AS-350 BA | Kahului, Hawaii, United States | - | No injuries | - |
| 11 Apr 2002 | Eurocopter AS-350-B2 | Valdez, Alaska, United States | Evergreen Helicopters of Alaska Inc | No injuries | - |
Other accidents in this area
| Date | Aircraft | Location | Operator | Outcome | Died |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Jun 2001 | Cessna 340A | Lancaster, Texas, United States | - | No injuries | - |
| 1 May 2001 | Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 | The Woodlands, Texas, United States | - | Fatal | 2 |
| 23 Aug 2001 | Piper PA-46-310P | Bulverde, Texas, United States | Mr. Jan M. Klinck & Mr. Gary K. Klinck | Fatal | 1 |
| 30 Apr 2001 | Cessna 172N | Marfa, Texas, United States | - | Minor injuries | - |
| 27 Apr 2001 | Hughes 269B | Nacogdoches, Texas, United States | - | Minor injuries | - |
| 23 Aug 2001 | Piper PA-18-150 | Van Horn, Texas, United States | - | Minor injuries | - |