Bell 206 near New York, NY — 2019-05-15

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to compensate for adverse wind on final approach, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and aircraft control.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was attempting to reposition the helicopter to a helipad after refueling at a riverfront heliport. On his first approach to the helipad in a gusting, quartering tailwind, the pilot felt the onset of a loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE) and aborted the approach and went around. He climbed the helicopter over the water, turned back toward the helipad, and again felt the onset of LTE. The nose of the helicopter began a yaw to the right, and application of full left pedal failed to arrest the yaw. The helicopter then entered an uncontrolled right spin around its mast and descended to water contact, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions of failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have avoided low-speed, high-power maneuvers in crosswinds.

NTSB coding

• Loss of tail rotor effectiveness · Maneuvering-hover

Evidence available

• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Memorandum for Record – Telephone Interview, Pilotinterview
• Pilot's Statementinterview
• NYPD Unusual Occurrence Reportreport

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