On April 13, 2002, a Bell 206-L3 (registration N19TD) operated by Helicopter Flight Services, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near New York, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to reduce airspeed by applying aft cyclic control during the hover transition, which resulted in the tail rotor striking a curb block. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A helicopter pilot struck a cement curb with the tail rotor while reducing airspeed during a hover transition, resulting in damage to the tail rotor blades.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a landing approach when he initiated the transition from forward flight to a stationary hover. During this maneuver, the pilot decided to reduce the aircraft's airspeed by approximately two to three miles per hour. To achieve this reduction, he applied aft cyclic control input.
As the aft cyclic was applied, the tail of the helicopter lowered. This downward movement caused the tail rotor blades to strike a cement curb block situated at the edge of the helipad. The curb block stood six inches high. Following the impact, the helicopter completed its touchdown without further incident. The pilot then secured the engine.
The pilot later noted that he felt he was too low during the landing phase when the contact occurred.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to reduce airspeed by applying aft cyclic control during the hover transition, which resulted in the tail rotor striking a curb block.
What happened in the 13 Apr 2002 Bell 206-L3 accident near New York, NY?
A helicopter pilot struck a cement curb with the tail rotor while reducing airspeed during a hover transition, resulting in damage to the tail rotor blades.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Apr 2002 involved a Bell 206-L3, registration N19TD, operated by Helicopter Flight Services, Inc., at New York, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to reduce airspeed by applying aft cyclic control during the hover transition, which resulted in the tail rotor striking a curb block.
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