On 12 February 2006, the pilot of a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Raven
II Newscopter, registered VH-WYS, was conducting aerial filming of a banner
towing helicopter in the vicinity of Williamstown, Vic. On board with the pilot
were a photographer in the front left seat and a gyro-stabilised camera operator
in the rear left seat.
While in a turn at low airspeed, and with a quartering
tailwind, the helicopter began an uncommanded yaw to the right. The pilot attempted
to regain control but the helicopter continued to rotate to the right and descended
approximately 1,800 ft before control was regained. The helicopter was flown
to a nearby beach and landed.
The reported ambient conditions and nature of
the loss of control were consistent with the pilot report that the helicopter
had suffered a loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE). It was possible that
the onset of vortex ring state had contributed to the high rate of descent
during the pilot’s
recovery from the LTE.
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