On May 26, 1993, a Hughes 269C (registration N58407) operated by Orbic Helicopters, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Van Nuys, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's failure to maintain the altitude while maneuvering toward the parking area. The student pilot's lack of total experience was a factor in this accident. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student helicopter pilot, on a solo flight, tipped the helicopter backward while maneuering to land, causing the tail rotor blades to strike the ground.
Incident Overview
A student helicopter pilot was conducting a local area solo flight. The pilot practiced several takeoffs and approaches before returning to the departure airport. At the airport, the student executed an approach to a hover at the operator's facility. The student then aerial taxied to the designated parking area.
The Maneuver
While maneuvering the helicopter rearward to land in the parking spot, the heel of the skids struck the ground. This caused the helicopter to tip backward. As a result, the tail rotor blades made contact with the ground.
Aftermath
The incident resulted in damage to the tail rotor blades. The exact extent of damage and any other related consequences were not specified in the available information.