Pilot Debrief

SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORP S-76D near Texarkana, AR — 2022-03-13

Final reportCEN22LA147
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Date
2022-03-13
Location
Texarkana, AR, USA
Airport
64XS
Aircraft
SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORP S-76D
Registration
N761AF
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance during landing on a rooftop helipad.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was on approach to a hospital rooftop helipad that he had never landed at before. About 30 ft above ground level, he felt a “thump” in the pedals; the helicopter vibrated, pitched forward, rolled left, then yawed right. The pilot landed the helicopter on the helipad. After the accident the pilot discovered that the tail rotor had contacted the building. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor, tail rotor drivetrain, and tail pylon. 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
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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