... the pilot returned to LZU due to approaching weather conditions. While approaching the landing zone, the pilot noted a "strong wind gust" followed by a "sudden, uncommanded, violent, right yaw" and "what seemed to be an uncommanded climb." He applied cyclic and pedal inputs; however, the helicopter continued in a right spin for at least two full rotations until it impacted the ground.
Date & Time [of incident]: 09/01/2017, 1058 EDT
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 8 knots, 190°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 1500 ft agl
Visibility: 7 Miles
Source:
https://app.ntsb.gov/pdfgenerator/Re...=HTML&IType=LA
While the aircraft and MR system sustained significant damage, the TR and blades seem to be un-dented (see 3rd picture in link from OP). Pilot recovering well, but Copilot still paralyzed from waist down. :-(
Police Department just ordered a new 530F in replacement of the mishap helicopter (
Gwinnett police helicopter crash: 1 officer may return to work soon and
https://www.verticalmag.com/press-re...utm_content=V1).