Pilot Debrief

AIRBUS AS350 near Peach Springs, AZ — 2016-08-24

Final reportGAA16CA450
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Date
2016-08-24
Location
Peach Springs, AZ, USA
Airport
1G4
Aircraft
AIRBUS AS350
Registration
N839PA
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while hover taxiing backward, resulting in the tail striking terrain.

NTSB 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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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