SUSANVILLE, CA, USA
N6306
SIKORSKY S-58T
THE HELICOPTER ENTERED AN UNCOMMANDED LEFT YAW, IN AN AREA WITH SWIRLING WINDS, WHILE INBOUND FOR A FIRE SUPPRESSION WATER DROP. THE PILOT DUMPED THE WATER, RELEASED THE BUCKET COLLECTIVE PITCH AND ENTERED A DESCENT. HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE DESCENT DURING THE LANDING FLARE AND THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND.
THE PILOT'S INFLIGHT DECISION TO ENTER A DESCENT WHEN HE LOST YAW CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. TURBULENT WEATHER CONDITIONS AND AN ABRUPT TOUCHDOWN WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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