Pilot Debrief

BELL 407 near Young, AZ — 2026-04-29

Final reportWPR26LA172
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Date
2026-04-29
Location
Young, AZ, USA
Aircraft
BELL 407
Registration
N407BB
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree stump during landing in mountainous terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during a personal flight in the helicopter, he made an approach to land in mountainous terrain. While landing, the tail rotor and vertical stabilizer struck tree stump and the helicopter touched down on the uneven surface and came to rest upright. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact 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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