BELL 47G
Searchlight, NV — October 18, 2015
Event Information
| Date | October 18, 2015 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA16CA055 |
| Event ID | 20151119X45914 |
| Location | Searchlight, NV |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.48861, -115.00000 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | BELL |
| Model | 47G |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree during hover flight.
Full Narrative
The pilot of a helicopter reported that during a 10 foot hover, he encountered a gust of wind and felt the tail rotor impact a tree. The pilot initiated an autorotation, but the main rotor impacted the tail boom during the descent and the helicopter rolled over after touchdown. The main rotor and tail boom were substantially damaged.
The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.