Summary
On September 24, 2012, a Sikorsky S-76C (N781P) was involved in an incident near Theodore, AL. All 2 people 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 failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance while taxiing.
The pilot reported that during a hover taxi maneuver, the tail rotor made contact with a main rotor blade of a parked helicopter that was tied down. The taxiing helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor blades. Examination of the helicopter did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ERA12CA580. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N781P.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance while taxiing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that during a hover taxi maneuver, the tail rotor made contact with a main rotor blade of a parked helicopter that was tied down. The taxiing helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor blades. Examination of the helicopter did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA580