N58407

On May 26, 1993, at about 1330 hours Pacific daylight time, a Hughes 269C helicopter, N58407, struck the tail rotor while aerial taxiing to a parking area at Van Nuys Airport (VNY), Van Nuys, California. The noncertificated student pilot was completing a local visual flight rules solo flight. The helicopter, operated by Orbic Helicopters, Inc., VNY, sustained substantial damage. The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight departed VNY at about 1250 hours.

The operator reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that the student pilot had been practicing takeoffs and approaches at the practice area. The student pilot returned to VNY and executed an approach to a hover and then aerial taxied to the designated parking area. While maneuvering rearward toward the parking spot the heel of the skids struck the ground and the helicopter tipped backward striking the tail rotor blades on the ground.