Probable cause
The pilot's unintentional lowering of the collective control during approach to land, resulting in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The operator reported that the helicopter had landed on the landing platform when, after shutdown, it was discovered that the helicopter was positioned too far aft on the platform. The pilot then restarted the helicopter and lifted off to reposition the helicopter on the platform. During this second approach to the platform, the pilot removed his hand from the collective control to turn off an audio radio. When the pilot returned his hand to the collective, he inadvertently lowered the collective and the helicopter descended and struck the ground.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08TA239 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 2, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mount Clemens, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Selfridge Air National Guard B (MTC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Eurocopter AS-350-B3
- N-number
- N204TU
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Public aircraft
- Purpose of flight
- PUBF
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.