MINR · Eurocopter AS-350-B2 · 2001-02-01 · Lihue, HI, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX01LA083
Event ID
20010206X00403
Type
Accident
Date
2001-02-01
Location
Lihue, HI, USA
Coordinates
21.966667, -159.333328
Injuries
Highest injury
MINR
Fatal
0
Serious
0
Minor
1
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
Eurocopter
Model
AS-350-B2
Registration
N985SA
FAR Part
135
Engines
1
Damage
SUBS
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The manufacturer's inadequate collective lock design, which resulted in the collective unlocking during a preflight check and subsequent unintentional liftoff and loss of helicopter control. The pilot's loss of control was due in part to the unavailability of the hydraulic system.