N835AK

Substantial
None

ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44S/N: 1221

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, December 15, 2016
NTSB Number
GAA17CA095
Location
Separ, NM
Event ID
20161215X83449
Coordinates
32.200553, -108.422225
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s abrupt maneuver to avoid electrical wires during the approach, which resulted in a hard landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
ROBINSON HELICOPTER
Serial Number
1221
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2002
Model / ICAO
R44R44
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
R44

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
OLD CITY HELICOPTER SALES LLC
Address
4900 US HIGHWAY 1 N STE 400
City
SAINT AUGUSTINE
State / Zip Code
FL 32095-6265
Country
United States

Analysis

The helicopter pilot reported that during approach to land at a trading post, he circled the landing area multiple times to search for obstructions. He further reported that while on final at about 20-25 feet above the ground he noticed multiple electrical wires in front of the helicopter. He lowered the collective to avoid the wires and the helicopter landed hard.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine 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# GAA17CA095