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Helicopter Tail Rotor Strikes Parked Aircraft During Pre-Takeoff Maneuver (N555BA)

San Antonio, TX, US

On May 23, 2004, a Bell 412 (registration N555BA) operated by Air Methods Corp. was involved in an aviation accident near San Antonio, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the parked helicopter while performing a hovering turn. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While hovering and executing a right pedal turn, a helicopter's tail rotor struck the main rotor of a parked helicopter, leading to a hard landing. Wind was from 170 degrees at 14 knots.

Incident Overview

A helicopter experienced a hard landing on a helipad after its tail rotor struck the main rotor blade of a parked helicopter during a pre-takeoff maneuver. Prior to takeoff, the helicopter had been parked facing northwest. While in a hover and performing a right pedal turn intended to align the aircraft into the wind, the tail rotor contacted the main rotor of the stationary helicopter.

Sequence of Events

Following the impact, the airborne helicopter entered an uncommanded right yaw. In response, the pilot reduced the collective pitch and throttles. The helicopter subsequently descended and landed hard onto the helipad.

Environmental Conditions

At the time of the accident, the wind was reported from 170 degrees at a speed of 14 knots.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 May 2004 Bell 412 accident near San Antonio, TX?

While hovering and executing a right pedal turn, a helicopter's tail rotor struck the main rotor of a parked helicopter, leading to a hard landing. Wind was from 170 degrees at 14 knots.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 May 2004 involved a Bell 412, registration N555BA, operated by Air Methods Corp., at San Antonio, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the parked helicopter while performing a hovering turn.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040524X00634. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.