N185MH

On October 30, 2007, a Robinson R-22 (N185MH) was involved in an incident near Nikolski, AK. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind gusts while maneuvering, which resulted in the tail rotor striking an undetermined object, and an emergency descent and landing. Factors contributing to the accident were the wind gusts, and the failure of the tail rotor system.

The solo commercial certificated pilot was conducting a low pass over a beach looking for an appropriate landing spot for the helicopter under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. In a written statement, the pilot reported he was making a low pass over the landing area when a sudden gust of wind caused the helicopter to pitch up, and the tail rotor struck an unknown object. He reported that the helicopter yawed to the right, descended, and the skid struck the ground. According to the pilot, the helicopter came to rest upright, but sustained damage to the main rotor system, tail cone, and rotor mast, in addition to the tail rotor. He reported there were no known mechanical problems with the helicopter prior to the accident.

This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC08CA011. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N185MH.