Williams UH-1H N710WD

Summary

On 30 August 2024 at about 14:05 local time, a Williams UH-1H registered N710WD, operated by A&P Helicopters Inc, was involved in an accident near Colusa, California, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

30 August 2024 at 14:05

Classification

Accident

Location

Colusa, California, United States

Coordinates

39.2479, -121.9908

Aircraft

Williams UH-1H

Registration

N710WD

Category

Helicopter

Year built

1965

Engines

1

Operator

A&P Helicopters Inc

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Richvale → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR24LA299

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot’s failure to set collective friction which resulted in collective bounce and subsequent loss of control.

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 while repositioning closer to the loading equipment, the helicopter experienced collective bounce. He attempted to maneuver the helicopter to avoid equipment and personnel; however, control was lost and the helicopter impacted terrain. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations. The operators manual for the helicopter stated, in part, “Collective bounce is a pilot Induced vertical oscillation of the collective control system when an absolute friction (either pilot applied, or control rigged) is less than seven pounds. It may be encountered in any flight condition by a rapid buildup of vertical bounce at approximately three cycles per second. The seventy of the oscillation is such that effective control of the helicopter may become difficult to maintain. The pilot should apply and maintain adequate collective friction in all flight conditions.”

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.