Pilot Debrief

ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II near Miami, FL — 2024-02-01

Final reportERA24LA118
Sign in to save
Date
2024-02-01
Location
Miami, FL, USA
Aircraft
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
Registration
N521LS
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

Tail rotor contact with an unseen object while performing a precautionary landing to a closed helipad at night.

NTSB narrative

During an air tour flight at night, the pilot of the helicopter noted that the oil pressure and temperature gauges were displaying indications that were in the “red area” so he decided to perform a precautionary landing to a closed helipad. During the precautionary landing, while maneuvering the helicopter just prior to touchdown, the tail rotor contacted a plastic pipe that protruded up about 2 ft from the ground. The pilot further described that it was very dark and that he was unable to see the pipe. Following the tail rotor strike, the helicopter landed hard, deforming the landing skids. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer during the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

Related mishaps