Pilot Debrief

SCHWEIZER(HUGHES)AIRCRAFT CORP TH55A/269A near Grinnell, IA — 2012-06-26

Final reportCEN12CA402
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Date
2012-06-26
Location
Grinnell, IA, USA
Airport
GGI
Aircraft
SCHWEIZER(HUGHES)AIRCRAFT CORP TH55A/269A
Registration
N488MC
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the wind during a hovering maneuver, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and directional control.

NTSB narrative

The helicopter pilot and his passenger were returning to the airport after a local flight. In preparation to land, the pilot approached a grassy area adjacent to the runway and entered a hover into a 12-knot wind that was gusting to 16 knots. The pilot then made a right-pedal turn downwind. He said that during the turn the wind caught the tail and the helicopter began to spin. The pilot could not stop the turning; the tailrotor struck a fence, and the main rotor blades hit the ground. A review of photographs of the helicopter taken after the accident revealed that the tail rotor blades, main rotor blades, and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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