On March 17, 2003, a Bell 430 (registration N431UM) operated by CJ System Aviation Group was involved in an aviation accident near Highland, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The tail rotor struck a steel reflector post while the pilot was taxiing the helicopter for departure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A medical evacuation helicopter sustained substantial damage after its tail rotor struck a steel reflector post while taxiing at night.
What happened
During a night-time medical evacuation mission, a helicopter was positioned on a roadway to pick up a patient. After the medical crew had departed the aircraft, the pilot, who was the sole occupant, began to taxi the aircraft to reposition for departure.
As the pilot attempted to move the aircraft south into M-59, the tail rotor struck a steel reflector post. Following the impact, the aircraft became airborne to an altitude of approximately five or six feet. The pilot responded by lowering the collective and rolling the throttles to idle in an attempt to stop the rotation of the aircraft. The helicopter subsequently impacted the ground on its left rear skid and came to rest at a 180-degree angle from its original heading.
The investigation
A post-accident examination determined that the tail rotor and gearbox had been separated from the aircraft due to the impact. Prior to the accident, the pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft.
Probable cause
The tail rotor struck a steel reflector post while the pilot was taxiing the helicopter for departure.