Pilot Debrief

BELL 407 near Riverdale, UT — 2010-11-22

Final reportWPR11LA056
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Date
2010-11-22
Location
Riverdale, UT, USA
Aircraft
BELL 407
Registration
N408UH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a highway marker sign while maneuvering.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the intent of the air medical flight was to respond to an automobile accident to pick up a patient for medical transport. Prior to landing at the accident scene, he performed an aerial reconnaissance of the intended landing area on a highway and noted the wind conditions and all pertinent obstacles. The pilot initiated a high-angle approach perpendicular to the highway, and prior to touchdown he noted the landing area was sloped downward. As the pilot performed a pedal turn to reposition the helicopter, the tail rotor contacted a highway reflector pole. He reduced the throttle and initiated a hovering auto rotation, during which the helicopter landed hard on the highway. Examination of the helicopter revealed that the tail rotor and tail rotor gearbox were substantially damaged. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a different approach to avoid obstacles.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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