AS355F1 Ecureuil II, G-BPRI, 23 October 2010

From:
Air Accidents Investigation Branch
Published
10 December 2014
Category:
Commercial - rotorcraft
Report type:
Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
Date of occurrence:
23 October 2010
Aircraft type:
AS355F1 Ecureuil II
Location:
Abridge Golf Course, Essex
Registration:
G-BPRI

AS355F1 Ecureuil II, G-BPRI

Summary:

After confirming that the surrounding area was clear, the pilot started the helicopter’s engines. Shortly after starting the second engine, he noticed a golf cart on his right side that was “travelling at some speed, clearly out of control”. The cart passed behind the helicopter, sustaining damage to its roof when it passed through the tail rotor disc, and continued for approximately 40 m before stopping. The pilot was told that a young child had climbed into the cart with an adult and had inadvertently stepped on the accelerator pedal. The pilot estimated that the cart had travelled 80 m before hitting the tail rotor. The occupants of the cart were unhurt.

Download report:

AS355F1 Ecureuil II, G-BPRI 02-11.pdf (216.97 kb)

Published 10 December 2014