Noticed A Left Yaw And Application Of The Anti-Torque Pedals Did Not Correct The Condition

Location: Yukon, OK Accident Number: CEN21LA216
Date & Time: May 12, 2021, 15:30 Local Registration: N841BP
Aircraft: Aerospatiale AS350 B2 ECUREUIL Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Public aircraft

On May 12, 2021 about 1530 Central Daylight Time, an Aerospatiale (Airbus) AS350 B2, helicopter, N841BP, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Yukon, Oklahoma. The pilot and flight instructor received minor injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 public aircraft instructional flight.

According to the crew, the flight was intended flight was for the Initial Pilot Certification course for the AS350 B2. The flight departed the Roy Rogers International Airport (OKC) for Clarence Page Municipal Airport (RCE) to conduct training maneuvers. After arrival at RCE, they conducted several approaches to the airport, including confined area and pinnacle approaches. They then conducted several simulated emergencies, which required the helicopter’s hydraulic system to be turned off; and then turned back on at the conclusion of the procedure.

After the simulated emergencies, they then proceeded to conduct a series of ‘quick stops’. After the third quick stop, the pilot reported he heard a traffic call for the runway, and the flight instructor indicated that they would expedite and clear the runway. The pilot reported that they made another quick-stop, and made an immediate left turn. During the turn, he noticed a left yaw and application of the anti-torque pedals did not correct the condition. The flight instructor reported that he pushed forward on the cyclic to gain airspeed. He also added that the “control loads were excessive,” and he noticed the HYDR light on the caution panel was illuminated.

The helicopter entered a spin before the main rotor blades impacted terrain. The helicopter then rolled over and came to rest on its side. Both occupants were able to exit the helicopter before a post-crash fire consumed the majority of the helicopter.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov