Mokelumne Hills, CA, USA
N92785
Sud Aviation SE 3130 ALOUETTE II
The pilot reported that, after about 20 minutes of flight in the helicopter, he returned to a private runway. The pilot descended the helicopter and began a hover-taxi from one end of the runway to the other. During the hover, the right skid contacted grass adjacent to the runway. The helicopter rolled over on its right ride, which resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor blades. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that after about 20 minutes of flight, he returned to a private runway. The pilot descended to the runway and he began a hover-taxi to the other end. While hovering, the right skid made contact with the grass adjacent to the runway. The helicopter rolled over on its right ride, damaging the main rotor blades. The pilot reported that he thought that the accident could have been prevented if he had a faster and quicker reaction time. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during a hover-taxi, which resulted in the helicopter's skid contacting grass and a subsequent dynamic roll-over.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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