Pilot Debrief

MD HELICOPTERS INC 369FF near Ceiba, PR — 2024-04-09

Final reportERA24LA172
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Date
2024-04-09
Location
Ceiba, PR, USA
Airport
RVR
Aircraft
MD HELICOPTERS INC 369FF
Registration
N5841Z
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilots’ failure to ensure adequate clearance from the taxiway while performing a quick stop maneuver.

NTSB narrative

The accident pilot was new to the company, and he and the chief pilot were practicing quick stop maneuvers in the helicopter. The pilots reported that while performing a quick stop maneuver over a taxiway, they heard a noise before the nose of the helicopter began turning right and the skids touched down. Postaccident examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that its horizontal stabilizer was substantially damaged. Photographs of the horizontal stabilizer and tail rotor displayed signatures consistent with both contacting the ground during the quick stop maneuver. The pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of 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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