Pilot Debrief

BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON CANADA BHT407 near Libby, MT — 2026-02-05

Final reportWPR26LA099
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Date
2026-02-05
Location
Libby, MT, USA
Aircraft
BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON CANADA BHT407
Registration
N407VS
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a light post during landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting a routine positioning flight to a hospital helipad; a procedure he had performed multiple times previously. While maneuvering to land, he thought he was lower than normal and continued to maneuver for the landing. During the landing flare, the pilot heard a loud noise and felt a vibration but landed uneventfully. After the flight, the pilot discovered that the tail rotor had contacted a helipad light post during the landing sequence, which resulted in substantial damage to the tailboom and tail rotor. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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