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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Tail Rotor Strikes Hydrant During Approach After Go-Around (N508MT)

Morehead, KY, US

On December 21, 2003, a Bell B407 (registration N508MT) was involved in an aviation accident near Morehead, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The ground personnel's failure to identify the hazardous condition. Factors were blowing snow and night conditions. 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

After three reconnaissance flights and a go-around due to blowing snow, a helicopter's tail rotor struck a standing frost-free hydrant during a second approach. Ground personnel had marked the landing zone perimeter but were unaware of the interior obstacle.

Sequence of Events

The pilot conducted two reconnaissance flights over the intended landing zone before initiating an approach. During the approach, blowing snow prompted the pilot to perform a go-around. A third reconnaissance flight over the landing zone followed. On the second approach, the helicopter's tail rotor struck a standing frost-free hydrant. The hydrant measured approximately 1 inch in diameter and 3 feet in height.

Post-Strike Maneuver

After the impact, the helicopter spun to the right. The pilot executed a hovering autorotation to bring the helicopter to the ground.

Obstacle Marking

Ground personnel had placed lights to mark the perimeter of the landing zone. However, they later stated that they had not walked the interior of the landing zone and were unaware of the hydrant's presence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Dec 2003 Bell B407 accident near Morehead, KY?

After three reconnaissance flights and a go-around due to blowing snow, a helicopter's tail rotor struck a standing frost-free hydrant during a second approach. Ground personnel had marked the landing zone perimeter but were unaware of the interior obstacle.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Dec 2003 involved a Bell B407, registration N508MT, at Morehead, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The ground personnel's failure to identify the hazardous condition. Factors were blowing snow and night conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040122X00085. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.