Air Crane Save

June 24/14-An Erickson Air Crane S64E Skycrane (N247AC) was in the approach flare to log setting during heli-logging operations. During the flare, while at 20 degrees nose up with a low power setting, the cyclic motored hard to the right. The pilot in command was able to maintain control and began a shallow descent away from the adjacent hillside while the second in command pilot checked the hydraulic systems. The effort of both pilots was required on the cyclic to maintain control of the aircraft. After jettisoning the grapple, the helicopter was landed safely on a sand bar in the valley below the logging area.

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