SIKORSKY S-76C
Theodore, AL — September 24, 2012
Event Information
| Date | September 24, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA12CA580 |
| Event ID | 20120927X33919 |
| Location | Theodore, AL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 30.43361, -88.17639 |
| Airport | Bayou La Batre |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | SIKORSKY |
| Model | S-76C |
| 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 adequate obstacle clearance while taxiing.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during a hover taxi maneuver, the tail rotor made contact with a main rotor blade of a parked helicopter that was tied down. The taxiing helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor blades. Examination of the helicopter did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures 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.