Examination Of The Flight Control System Revealed A Pin Used For The Removal Of The Cyclic Was Not In Place

Location: Cahokia, IL Accident Number: CEN23LA150
Date & Time: April 9, 2023, 08:45 Local Registration: N372PA
Aircraft: Helicopteres Guimbal Cabri G2 Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

On April 9, 2023, at 0845 central daylight time, a Helicopteres Guimbal Cabri G2, N372PA, was involved in an accident near Cahokia, Illinois. The helicopter sustained substantial damage.

The flight instructor received minor injuries and the student pilot was uninjured. The helicopter was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. The flight instructor stated that during the approach for landing at the departure airport, his cyclic had “a little bit of play,” and the helicopter was not responding “fully” to his control inputs. He then completely lost cyclic control upon lining up with the taxiway of intended landing. He stated that he still had collective and rudder control. The student pilot’s cyclic controls continued to function, and the flight instructor coached him on cyclic control inputs to maintain control of the helicopter, but the student pilot’s cyclic control then ceased to function. 

The helicopter impacted the ground during the attempted landing and sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades.

Postaccident examination of the flight control system revealed a pin used for the removal of the cyclic was not in place.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov