Pilot Debrief

BELL 47G near Searchlight, NV — 2015-10-18

Final reportGAA16CA055
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Date
2015-10-18
Location
Searchlight, NV, USA
Aircraft
BELL 47G
Registration
N73224
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree during hover flight.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of a helicopter reported that during a 10 foot hover, he encountered a gust of wind and felt the tail rotor impact a tree. The pilot initiated an autorotation, but the main rotor impacted the tail boom during the descent and the helicopter rolled over after touchdown. The main rotor and tail boom were substantially damaged. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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