Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 near Separ, NM — 2016-12-15

Final reportGAA17CA095
Sign in to save
Date
2016-12-15
Location
Separ, NM, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44
Registration
N835AK
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s abrupt maneuver to avoid electrical wires during the approach, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB 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 about 20 to 25 ft 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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

Related mishaps