NTSB investigations: Eurocopter AS 350 B3
51 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Eurocopter AS 350 B3. Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.
Cases per year
| 2000 | 1 |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 4 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2025 | 2 |
Where
Open the mapLatest cases
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT c.\"ntsbNumber\", c.\"eventDate\", c.\"eventType\", c.\"eventCity\", c.\"eventStateOrRegion\", a.n_number, a.\"aircraftMake\", a.\"aircraftModel\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\", c.\"totalFatal\", c.\"completionStatus\", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c.\"mKey\" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('8680954'))
ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('8680954'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESCRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB ERA26LA026Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter AS350 · Wetumpka, ALThe pilot’s improper recovery from a practice autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the pilot receiving instruction.NTSB ANC25LA097Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAirbus Helicopters AS350B3e · Skwentna, AKThe pilot’s inadvertent entanglement of a lightweight Kevlar long line into the helicopters operating main rotor system, resulting in a severe imbalance and separation of the main rotor gearbox.NTSB ANC23LA085Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Johnson River, AKThe ground crew’s failure to remain clear of a tag line during sling load operations, resulting in his entanglement.NTSB WPR23LA200Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · San Diego, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain altitude during a hover taxi due to distraction resulting from the unanticipated activation of strobing lights while using night vision googles.NTSB WPR22LA154Accident · Serious injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Deer Valley, AZThe fuelers improper action during the refueling process.NTSB WPR22LA018Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportAirbus A350 · Tucson, AZThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from ground equipment during landing.NTSB ERA21LA390Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Kinston, NCThe buckling of the tail boom as a result of a hard landing event of undetermined time and location.NTSB WPR21FA143Accident · 5 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAirbus Helicopters AS350-B3 · Palmer, AKThe pilot’s failure to adequately respond to an encounter with whiteout conditions, which resulted in the helicopter’s collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the (1) operator’s inadequate pilot training program and pilot competency checks,…NTSB ANC20LA089Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 · Fort Greely, AKFailure of the door lock due to interference between the door and a cargo box.NTSB CEN19FA109Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportAerospatiale AS350 · Montgomery, TXMaintenance personnel's failure to properly re-install and secure a fuel line, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.NTSB ANC18CA056Accident · Minor injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Kobuk, AKThe pilot's inadvertent dynamic rollover during takeoff.NTSB GAA18CA070Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 · Santa Rosa, AZThe pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB ANC17CA041Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportAirbus AS350 · Delta Junction, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a steel frame attached to a tracked drilling unit. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to visually identify the steel frame during the reconnaissance process.NTSB GAA17CA404Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 · King Vale, CAThe pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while landing in a dusty, unimproved landing zone.NTSB ERA17LA126Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 · San Juan, PRThe flight instructor's incorrect manipulations of the twist grip throttle control during a practice autorotation, which resulted in an engine overspeed and subsequent fire.NTSB WPR16FA040Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportAirbus Helicopters AS350 · Superior, AZThe pilot's loss of helicopter control in mountainous terrain as the result of operating the helicopter outside the performance envelope of its hydraulic system and encountering the servo transparency phenomenon. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's…NTSB CEN15TA017Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportAirbus Helicopters AS 350 B3 · Lordsburg, NMThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate drift control and skid clearance from the ground during takeoff, which resulted in a dynamic rollover when the aft right skid contacted a rock.NTSB WPR14TA370Accident · No injuriesFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Lincoln, CAThe failure of the engine to provide sufficient power when commanded by the pilot during the power recovery phase of a practice autorotation for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no mechanical malfunctions or…NTSB WPR14TA357Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportAirbus Helicopters AS 350 B3 · Hemet, CAThe flight instructor's failure to adequately brief and demonstrate the simulated emergency procedure to the pilot under instruction and his delayed remedial action and inadequate supervision during the maneuver, which resulted in an excessive sink rate and a…NTSB CEN14IA329Incident · No injuriesIncident investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Temple, TXThe pilot’s failure to reposition the yaw servo hydraulic switch to the “on” position during the pretakeoff hydraulic system check, which resulted in a complete lack of hydraulic boost to the tail rotor system and increased the load required to move the…NTSB ANC14LA041Accident · No injuriesClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportAirbus/Eurocopter AS 350 B3 · Anchorage, AKThe pilot’s improper engine start procedure, which resulted in an overspeed of the engine and main rotor drive system.NTSB ERA14TA096Accident · No injuriesFinal reportEurocopter AS350B3 · Houlton, MEAn engine compartment explosion during takeoff; the origin of the explosion could not be determined during postaccident examination due to extensive fire damage.NTSB ERA14FA010Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Somerville, TNThe pilot’s inadvertent encounter with night, instrument meteorological conditions while responding to an obstacle alert, resulting in an in-flight loss of helicopter control.NTSB CEN13FA331Accident · Minor injuriesField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Grand Prairie, TXThe pilot receiving instruction's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a simulated hydraulics failure training maneuver, which resulted in his loss of control of the helicopter and its subsequent impact with terrain, and the flight instructor's…NTSB ANC13GA036Accident · 3 fatalClass 1Final reportEurocopter AS350 · Talkeetna, AKThe pilot's decision to continue flight under visual flight rules into deteriorating weather conditions, which resulted in the pilot's spatial disorientation and loss of control. Also causal was the Alaska Department of Public Safety's punitive culture and…NTSB WPR12TA120Accident · No injuriesFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Napa, CAThe flight instructor’s improper use of the collective control during a practice hovering autorotation, which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB WPR12CA118Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Poway, CAThe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during landing, which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB ERA11CA433Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Humacao, PRThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a building during landing.NTSB WPR11LA352Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Troutdale, ORThe in-flight separation of the tail rotor drive shaft cover as a result of maintenance personnel not ensuring that it was secured after a maintenance inspection; also causal was the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the helicopter.NTSB ERA10MA188Accident · 3 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS-350-B3 · Brownsville, TNThe pilot's decision to attempt the flight into approaching adverse weather, resulting in an encounter with a thunderstorm with localized instrument meteorological conditions, heavy rain, and severe turbulence that led to a loss of control.NTSB WPR10CA164Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Parker, AZThe mechanics' failure to account for all the tools following a maintenance procedure and the pilot's failure to perform a preflight check before a maintenance test flight.NTSB WPR10CA028Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Marana, AZThe improper use of the throttle by the pilot receiving instruction, and the check pilot's inadequate supervision and delayed remedial action, which resulted in the collision with terrain.NTSB ERA09TA440Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportEurocopter AS 350B3 · Jacksonville, FLThe flight instructor's improper decision to attempt hover flight without hydraulic power and his subsequent loss of control.NTSB WPR09TA001Accident · No injuriesFinal reportEurocopter AS350B3 · Blaine, WAThe pilot's failure to maintain main rotor rpm, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident were the flight instructor's delayed remedial action and inadequate supervision of the flight.NTSB LAX08LA198Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Ash Fork, AZThe pilot's spatial disorientation resulting in his failure to detect and compensate for an unintentional descent during a go-around. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadequate choice of landing approach, reduced visibility from brownout…NTSB DFW07GA119Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · San Elizario, TXThe pilot's encounter with a vortex ring state and his inability to maintain control of the helicopter.NTSB LAX06LA273Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS 350 B3 · Casa Grande, AZInternal damage to the stop electro valve which resulted in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power during takeoff.NTSB SEA06GA158Accident · 4 fatalFinal reportEurocopter AS-350-B3 · Yellow Pine, IDThe pilot's intentional low altitude flight and his failure to maintain an adequate altitude to clear the trees.NTSB DFW06TA127Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportAerospatiale AS350-B3 · Santa Teresa, NMThe flight instructor's improper supervision of the flight which resulted in a hard landing.NTSB ANC06TA047Accident · No injuriesFinal reportAmerican Eurocopter AS350 B3 · Nikiski, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from terrain during an aborted takeoff in whiteout conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain. A factor associated with the accident was whiteout conditions.NTSB LAX05LA308Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS350B3 · Running Springs, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance from trees while performing long line external lift operations.NTSB LAX05FA053Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS-350-B3 · Apache Junction, AZA loss of control during the final approach to land for undetermined reasons.NTSB LAX05LA025Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS350B3 · Sierra Vista, AZAn inconsistency between the engines' two N2 sensor signals caused the fuel control to enter a fixed mode, which limited the power available. Contributing to the accident was the lack of altitude and airspeed available to give the pilot time to select a…NTSB LAX04CA097Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportEurocopter AS350 B3 · Mesa, AZthe pilot's excessive flare and mistimed collective application during a practice autorotation, which resulted in a loss of main rotor rpm and a subsequent hard landing. Also causal, was the flight instructor's delayed remedial action and inadequate…NTSB MIA04WA033Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationEurocopter France AS 350 B3 · Guayaramerim, BrazilNTSB LAX04TA052Accident · No injuriesFinal reportEurocopter France AS 350 B3 · Yuma, AZThe malfunction of the rotor drive system due to improper maintenance, which resulted in the uncoupling of the drive shaft during takeoff-initial climb. A factor associated with the accident is the undertorqued drive system bolts.NTSB LAX04LA035Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS350 B3 · Mesa, AZThe pilot's inadvertent activation of the hydraulic test switch, which resulted in a loss of the hydraulic system pressure, and his failure to maintain directional control.NTSB LAX03GA145Accident · No injuriesFinal reportEurocopter France AS350B3 · Napa, CAthe pilot under instruction's inadvertent activation of the collective manual fuel slide lock, which led to engine and main rotor overspeeds due to excessive fuel flow during power application. This resulted in failures of the gas generator turbine (N1)…NTSB LAX02TA299Accident · No injuriesFinal reportEurocopter AS350-B3 · Bishop, CAthe disengagement of the collective locking mechanism due to component wear.NTSB FTW02LA247Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportEurocopter AS350B3 · Eagle Pass, TXThe insufficient length of the stepper motor rack inside the HMU, which caused the red "GOV" light to illuminate and the fuel metering valve to freeze causing the engine to automatically engage the manual mode.