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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Tail Boom Severed During Tailwind Takeoff and Landing Attempt (N360SS)

Avondale, CO, US

On September 12, 2007, a Bell 47G-3B-1 (registration N360SS) was involved in an aviation accident near Avondale, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain translational lift and his improper flare. A contributing factor in this accident was the sudden wind shift. 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 pilot took off downhill in no wind, then encountered a 10-12 knot tailwind. Unable to gain translational lift, he attempted to land at 5-6 mph, but the tail skid struck the ground, causing the main rotor to contact and sever the tail boom.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's account, the helicopter took off downhill in calm wind conditions. Shortly after departure, the wind shifted to a westerly direction, resulting in a tailwind of 10 to 12 knots. The pilot reported being unable to gain effective translational lift under the tailwind condition.

Landing Attempt and Sequence of Events

In response, the pilot initiated a landing with a forward speed of 5 to 6 mph. As he attempted to stop the helicopter, the tail skid struck the ground simultaneously with the main skids. The aircraft then lurched forward, causing the main rotor blades to contact the tail boom.

Damage

The impact severed the tail boom from the airframe. Additionally, the helicopter's skids were broken torsionally from the airframe.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Sept 2007 Bell 47G-3B-1 accident near Avondale, CO?

A helicopter pilot took off downhill in no wind, then encountered a 10-12 knot tailwind. Unable to gain translational lift, he attempted to land at 5-6 mph, but the tail skid struck the ground, causing the main rotor to contact and sever the tail boom.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Sept 2007 involved a Bell 47G-3B-1, registration N360SS, at Avondale, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to attain translational lift and his improper flare. A contributing factor in this accident was the sudden wind shift.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070919X01413. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.