N407LL

Substantial
None

Bell 407S/N: 53561

Accident Details

Date
Monday, October 15, 2007
NTSB Number
CHI08CA018
Location
St Cloud, MN
Event ID
20071108X01772
Coordinates
45.553333, -94.073333
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
3
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to execute a go-around when a normal approach to the intended landing point could not be maintained. An additional cause was the excessive descent rate that developed during the approach. Contributing factors were the tailwind condition and the tree line.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N407LL
Make
BELL
Serial Number
53561
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Model / ICAO
407B407
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Analysis

The helicopter was substantially damaged during a hard landing. The pilot reported that he experienced a stuck microphone after takeoff and elected to return to the helipad for landing. He noted that reversing course for landing resulted in a right quartering tailwind on approach. The pilot reported that about 100 feet above ground level (agl), he noticed that the helicopter was not slowing down. His attempt to reduce the ground speed by "slipping" the aircraft was not successful. As the helicopter approached a line of trees, he turned toward an open area; however, the helicopter began to settle in the turn. He applied power in an attempt to reduce the descent rate and pitched up in order to position the helicopter for a hard landing. Although the descent rate began to decrease about 30 feet agl, the helicopter skids impacted the crest of a hill. The pilot added power and brought the helicopter to a hover, before landing near the heliport. The post accident examination revealed that the skids, lower fuselage and left stabilizer were damaged in the hard landing.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI08CA018