18 Dec 2009: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II — PRICE FAMILY HOLDINGS LLC

18 Dec 2009: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II — PRICE FAMILY HOLDINGS LLC

No fatalities • Abilene, TX, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the air taxi with shifting winds.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

While air-taxiing the helicopter away from the runway, the helicopter encountered an unexpected gust of winds while passing near a hanger. The private pilot lost control as the helicopter, and was unable to regain control before the helicopter's tail rotor impacted the ground. The helicopter subsequently landed hard and remained in the upright position. Neither the pilot or passenger were injured. An on-scene examination of the helicopter by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors failed to reveal any pre-impact anomalies. On the NTSB Form 6120.1 submitted by the private pilot, there were no known mechanical malfunctions or failures.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • Response/compensation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 350/08kt, vis 10sm

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