Eurocopter AS 350 B3 N808LF

Summary

On 17 April 2022 at about 05:26 local time, a Eurocopter AS 350 B3 registered N808LF, operated by Air Methods Corp, was involved in an accident near Deer Valley, Arizona, United States. 2 people were on board. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

17 April 2022 at 05:26

Classification

Accident

Location

Deer Valley, Arizona, United States

Nearest airport

Deer Valley (DVT)

Coordinates

33.4113, -112.0445

Aircraft

Eurocopter AS 350 B3

Registration

N808LF

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2010

Engines

1

Operator

Air Methods Corp

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night

NTSB number

WPR22LA154

Injuries not recorded.

The fuelers improper action during the refueling process.

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 was on the ramp with the engine running to accomplish a rapid refuel. The fueler was attempting to attach the grounding cable to the helicopter and due to the cable not locking, he maneuvered the cable up and down, which then contacted the main rotor blades. The pilot reported he felt a “violent jolt” and immediately shut the engine down. The fueler’s hands were seriously injured. The main rotor blades were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.