Pilot Debrief

HUGHES 369 near Heber City, UT — 2018-02-12

Final reportGAA18CA127
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Date
2018-02-12
Location
Heber City, UT, USA
Aircraft
HUGHES 369
Registration
N338HW
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from an elk while maneuvering at a low altitude.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter pilot reported that he was maneuvering at a low altitude in an attempt to net an elk. When the helicopter was approximately above the elk, his attention was immediately focused forward due to a small rise in terrain. He pitched the helicopter's nose up, and the helicopter started to shake and spin. Subsequently, the helicopter struck the ground, the right skid broke, and the helicopter came to rest on its right side. Postaccident examination revealed that the tail rotor had struck the elk when the pilot pitched the helicopter's nose up. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and rotor. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter 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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