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Helicopter Encounter with Loss of Tailrotor Effectiveness on Final Approach (N303CH)

Edinburg, TX, US

On October 17, 2002, a Bell 206L-1 (registration N303CH) was involved in an aviation accident near Edinburg, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of tailrotor effectiveness due to the right quartering tailwind, which resulted in a hard landing. Factors were the lack of suitable surrounding terrain for landing, which included numerous surrounding obstacles, and the tailwind. 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 experienced a loss of tailrotor effectiveness during final approach, causing a right spin and hard landing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction, and wind conditions were consistent with the event.

Scenario

A helicopter was on final approach to a staging area, heading south, when the pilot encountered a loss of tailrotor effectiveness. According to the pilot, approximately 20 feet above ground level, he "ran out of pedal" and the helicopter began spinning to the right. Despite applying full left pedal, the rate of turn continued to increase.

Pilot Actions

The pilot attempted to gain forward airspeed but was unable to do so due to surrounding obstacles. Subsequently, the helicopter made a hard landing and came to rest upright. The pilot stated that there was no mechanical malfunction of the helicopter.

Wind Conditions

The nearest weather observation facility reported wind from 150 degrees at 13 knots. The pilot reported the wind as from 120 degrees at 12 knots.

Outcome

The helicopter landed hard. The article is based on the pilot's account and the official source, which does not specify injuries or aircraft damage details beyond the hard landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Oct 2002 Bell 206L-1 accident near Edinburg, TX?

A helicopter experienced a loss of tailrotor effectiveness during final approach, causing a right spin and hard landing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction, and wind conditions were consistent with the event.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Oct 2002 Bell 206L-1 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Oct 2002 involved a Bell 206L-1, registration N303CH, at Edinburg, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of tailrotor effectiveness due to the right quartering tailwind, which resulted in a hard landing. Factors were the lack of suitable surrounding terrain for landing, which included numerous surrounding obstacles, and the tailwind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021023X05367. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.