ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Separ, NM — December 15, 2016
Event Information
| Date | December 15, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA095 |
| Event ID | 20161215X83449 |
| Location | Separ, NM |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 32.20055, -108.42223 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | ROBINSON HELICOPTER |
| Model | R44 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s abrupt maneuver to avoid electrical wires during the approach, which resulted in a hard landing.
Full Narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that during approach to land at a trading post, he circled the landing area multiple times to search for obstructions. He further reported that while on final at about 20-25 feet above the ground he noticed multiple electrical wires in front of the helicopter. He lowered the collective to avoid the wires and the helicopter landed hard.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident 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.