AIRBUS AS350
Peach Springs, AZ — August 24, 2016
Event Information
| Date | August 24, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA16CA450 |
| Event ID | 20160826X74427 |
| Location | Peach Springs, AZ |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.98667, -113.81750 |
| Airport | GRAND CANYON WEST |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AIRBUS |
| Model | AS350 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 135 |
| 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 clearance from terrain while hover taxiing backward, resulting in the tail striking terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that as the helicopter was in a hover and backed off of the landing pad, the vertical stabilizer impacted rising terrain. The pilot further reported that he was able to land back on the landing pad 30 feet away with no further incident.
A post examination of the helicopter revealed that the rear vertical stabilizer had received substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine 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.