Summary
On December 05, 2017, a Robinson Helicopter R44 (N99RW) was involved in an accident near Fort Pierce, FL. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury, with 1 person uninjured out of 2 aboard. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a tail strike and hard landing.
The helicopter pilot reported that, while hovering to land on a helipad, the tail struck the ground. He added that the helicopter landed hard and rolled over onto the left side.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, main rotor blades, and tail boom.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 20 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 130° at 10 knots.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA072. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N99RW.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a tail strike and hard landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The helicopter pilot reported that, while hovering to land on a helipad, the tail struck the ground. He added that the helicopter landed hard and rolled over onto the left side.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, main rotor blades, and tail boom.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 20 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 130° at 10 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA072