Pilot Debrief

MBB BK117 near Strum, WI — 2018-12-25

Final reportCEN19TA075
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Date
2018-12-25
Location
Strum, WI, USA
Aircraft
MBB BK117
Registration
N145EC
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the fire truck.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and two crewmembers were on a night air medical flight. While on approach to the landing zone with several obstructions nearby, the pilot noticed a street sign and slowed the helicopter, which lowered the tailboom and tail rotor. The helicopter's tail rotor then struck a hose rack on a fire truck, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a different approach to avoid obstacles.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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