Gaps in his training left the 9,659-hour pilot of an MD Helicopters 600N unprepared to deal with fluctuating rotor speeds that were caused by a faulty engine control unit (ECU) and that resulted in a hard forced landing that killed one passenger, the New Zealand Transportation Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) says.
The pilot of the visual survey flight and one occupant were seriously injured in the June 14, 2018, accident at Ngamatea Station on New Zealand’s North Island. Two other occupants received minor injuries in the crash, which destroyed the helicopter.
The TAIC’s final report on the accident included a recommendation calling for improvements in pilot training.
“Pilot training should include both knowledge and practice in responding to emergencies,†Chief Investigator of Accidents Harald Hendel said in a statement accompanying the final report. “If something goes wrong, the solution should be already in the pilot’s realm of experience, but that wasnâ…
