N719TF

On August 04, 2016, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II (N719TF) was involved in an incident near Homer, AK. All 3 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: An in-flight collision with a bird resulting in damage to a tail rotor blade, which required replacement.

The pilot stated that while en route, about 1,000 feet above ground level (agl), a loud sound was heard in conjunction with feeling a "bump." At this point, a vibration was felt in the control pedals and a precautionary landing was executed. Upon inspection, an estimated 3-inch area of the tail rotor blade exhibited signs consistent with buckling.

Witnesses on the ground reported seeing an object consistent with a bird fall from the sky after contact with the helicopter. No panels or other equipment was missing from the helicopter during an inspection following the landing. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC16CA051. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N719TF.