SIKORSKY S-76C near Theodore, AL — 2012-09-24

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance while taxiing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during a hover-taxi maneuver, the tail rotor made contact with the main rotor blade of a parked helicopter that was tied down. The taxiing helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor blades. The pilot did not report and postaccident examination did not reveal any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Miscellaneous/other · Taxi
• Attention / Monitoring

Evidence available

• Photos
• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• PHI Accident-Incident Reviewother
• Photo 1-FAA photo- Tail rotor bladesphotos
• Photo 2-FAA photo-Damage to horizontal stabilizer on stationary helicopterphotos

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