UK AAIB(H) February 2024

[Luther Sebastian]

Two in the record-onlies:

500 gets engine out at 1000ft AGL, autos and ends up on its side on rough ground. Cause may be mechanical or pilot error.

Gazelle lifts off then big gust hits, rotor touches nearby flag pole, touches down again with no injuries.

Link (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/aaib-record-only-investigations-reviewed-november-december-2023/aaib-record-only-investigations-reviewed-november-december-2023)

[212man]

Anyone familiar with the 500 that can comment on this:
The pilot reported that he may have inadvertently reduced engine power whilst adjusting the collective friction, or the engine governor may have failed.

[helihub]

Here's images of the Gazelle in the press - Helicopter crashes in grounds of Spalding's Anglia Motel (https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2023-11-06/helicopter-crashes-into-floodlight-after-pilot-blinded-by-sun)

[Bravo73]

Here's images of the Gazelle in the press

Here is the PPRuNe thread:

https://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/655669-private-gazelle-incident-lincolnshire.html

[Hughes500]

212
I guess one can do that . The set up is a twist grip throttle with an inch wide friction collar underneath. Below that is the collective friction which like the throttle friction winds outboard to increase. It is fairly common to fly with some friction on the collective as it is almost impossible to adjust the bungy and over centre bolt on the collective so it always stays in one position ( ie it can either pull pitch or reduce pitch depending on your weight and speed ) . If one takes the collective friction off it is possible to partially hold the throttle friction ( so as one undoes the collective friction one rolls the throttle off to ! However there would be an instant reaction in not only a left yaw but the engine out alarm will fire at 98.5 % ( normal rpm is 102 ) . Hope that helps, would show you a pix but i am on a campsite on South island NZ on holiday.

[212man]

Thanks Hughes. I guess the puzzle is why it’s not more common, if seemingly so possible. Enjoy your holiday!