Casualties unknown

Helicopter Main Rotor Blades Strike Driveway Light Post During Hover (N6101U)

Swanee, GA, US

On November 16, 2001, an Eurocopter AS-350-BA (registration N6101U) was involved in an aviation accident near Swanee, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper visual lookout while hovering the helicopter, which resulted in the helicopter's main rotor blades colliding with a light post. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter hovering in front of a house struck a driveway light post with its main rotor blades, damaging the blades and removing the post's top ornament. The pilot landed immediately and reported no system failures.

Incident Summary

A helicopter experienced an in-flight collision with a stationary object while hovering in front of a residence. The main rotor blades made contact with a driveway light post, shearing off the top ornament. The pilot executed an immediate landing and secured the aircraft.

Pilot Account

According to the pilot, the helicopter was in a hover when the blades struck the light post. After landing, the pilot confirmed that the blades had sustained damage from the impact. The pilot further stated that no systems or components of the helicopter had experienced any failures or malfunctions prior to the event.

Damage

The only reported damage was to the helicopter's main rotor blades. The light post lost its top ornament as a result of the strike. No other damage to the helicopter or surrounding property was noted.

Equipment Condition

The pilot explicitly indicated that all helicopter systems were operating normally before the accident. No mechanical issues were identified as contributing to the occurrence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011210X02374. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.