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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Hard Landing After Hover Taxi With Gusty Tailwind (N995KP)

Grand Prairie, TX, US

On September 27, 1989, a Bell 206BII (registration N995KP) operated by Texas Helijet was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Prairie, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DECISION TO EXECUTE AN ABRUPT MANEUVER WHILE HOVERING DOWNWIND, WHICH LED TO A REDUCTION IN ROTOR RPM AND SUBSEQUENT HARD LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter sustained damage during a hard landing after the pilot hover taxied off a runway with a gusty tailwind, rapidly applied collective pitch, and over flared, while restricted governor control arm movement due to poor maintenance prevented rotor RPM recovery.

Accident Sequence

During a hover taxi off the runway, the pilot maneuvered the helicopter over a freshly mowed grassy area. The wind conditions included a gusty tailwind of 10 to 18 knots. The pilot rapidly applied collective pitch, causing the main rotor system to underspeed.

Governor Control Arm Restriction

The governor control arm movement became restricted. This restriction was attributed to poor servicing and quality control by the company's maintenance personnel. As a result, main rotor RPM could not be regained, and the helicopter began to descend.

Loss of Control

The pilot then over flared the helicopter. This action caused the tail rotor to strike the ground. The main rotor blade flexed downward and severed the tailboom. A hard landing ensued, resulting in damage to the helicopter.

Findings

  • The pilot hover taxied with a 10 to 18 knot gusty tailwind over a freshly mowed grassy area.
  • The pilot rapidly applied collective pitch, underspeeding the main rotor system.
  • The governor control arm movement was restricted due to poor servicing and quality control by company maintenance personnel.
  • Main rotor RPM could not be regained.
  • The pilot over flared, causing tail rotor ground strike and main rotor blade flexure that severed the tailboom.
  • A hard landing resulted.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Sept 1989 Bell 206BII accident near Grand Prairie, TX?

A helicopter sustained damage during a hard landing after the pilot hover taxied off a runway with a gusty tailwind, rapidly applied collective pitch, and over flared, while restricted governor control arm movement due to poor maintenance prevented rotor RPM recovery.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Sept 1989 involved a Bell 206BII, registration N995KP, operated by Texas Helijet, at Grand Prairie, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S DECISION TO EXECUTE AN ABRUPT MANEUVER WHILE HOVERING DOWNWIND, WHICH LED TO A REDUCTION IN ROTOR RPM AND SUBSEQUENT HARD LANDING.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29385. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.