Pilot Debrief

Bell 205 near LaVerne, CA — 2020-08-24

Final reportWPR20CA284
Sign in to save
Date
2020-08-24
Location
LaVerne, CA, USA
Airport
POC
Aircraft
Bell 205
Registration
N386HQ
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s delayed decision to initiate a go-around while landing in an unimproved area which resulted in a collision with debris.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was conducting cargo and crew shuttle operations in support of firefighting operations. During the approach to a remote landing site that throughout the day had been continuously provided with dust abatement, there was significant dust and small sage type vegetation debris in the air that was kicked up from the helicopter’s rotor wash. The pilot subsequently performed a go-around. During a post-flight inspection, substantial damage to the tail rotor was discovered.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

Related mishaps