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Helicopter Loss of Tailrotor Effectiveness During Hover Maneuver (N61PP)

Winter Park, FL, US

On May 22, 1997, a Bell 206B (registration N61PP) operated by Patrick E. Perrott was involved in an aviation accident near Winter Park, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilots improper in-flight planning/decision to conduct an out of ground effect hover with a tailwind resulting in an in-flight loss of directional control due to loss of tailrotor effectiveness/unanticipated right yaw, and subsequent in-flight collision… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

Witnesses observed a helicopter hovering out of ground effect with a tailwind. It pitched nose high, hovered backward, yawed, and spun descending behind trees. No mechanical failure was found. The pilot had not flown in six months and reported no training on loss of tailrotor effectiveness.

Observations

Witnesses reported that a helicopter was hovering out of ground effect with a tailwind. The nose of the helicopter pitched upward, and the aircraft began to hover backward. The nose then yawed to the right and back to the left, after which the helicopter started spinning to the right while descending. During the descent, the nose pitched up and down repeatedly until the helicopter disappeared from view behind a tree line.

Examination

A post-accident examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of precrash mechanical failure or malfunction of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly, or accessories.

Pilot Background

A review of the pilot's logbook showed that he had not flown the helicopter in the six months preceding the event. The pilot stated that he had not received any instruction regarding loss of tailrotor effectiveness or uncommanded left or right yaw. He further indicated that he was not aware of the conditions required for this phenomenon to occur or what corrective action should be taken.

Flight Manual

Review of the helicopter's flight manual revealed no written procedures pertaining to loss of tailrotor effectiveness or unanticipated right yaw.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 May 1997 Bell 206B accident near Winter Park, FL?

Witnesses observed a helicopter hovering out of ground effect with a tailwind. It pitched nose high, hovered backward, yawed, and spun descending behind trees. No mechanical failure was found. The pilot had not flown in six months and reported no training on loss of tailrotor effectiveness.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 May 1997 involved a Bell 206B, registration N61PP, operated by Patrick E. Perrott, at Winter Park, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilots improper in-flight planning/decision to conduct an out of ground effect hover with a tailwind resulting in an in-flight loss of directional control due to loss of tailrotor effectiveness/unanticipated right yaw, and subsequent in-flight collision with a tree and terrain. Contributing to the accident was…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07971. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.