HUGHES 369
Heber City, UT — February 12, 2018
Event Information
| Date | February 12, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA127 |
| Event ID | 20180212X32901 |
| Location | Heber City, UT |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.33000, -111.04361 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | HUGHES |
| Model | 369 |
| 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 failure to maintain clearance from an elk while maneuvering at a low altitude.
Full Narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that, he was maneuvering at a low altitude in an attempt to net an elk. When the helicopter was approximately above the elk, his attention was immediately focused forward due to a small rise in terrain. He pitched the nose of the helicopter up, and the helicopter started to shake and spin. Subsequently, the helicopter struck the ground, the right skid broke, and the helicopter came to rest on its right side.
A post-accident examination revealed that the helicopter's tail-rotor had struck the elk when the pilot pitched the helicopter's nose up.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail-boom and rotor.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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.