History of Flight
On September 30, 2010, at approximately 1735 mountain standard time, a Eurocopter EC130 B4, registration N822MH, was substantially damaged when the tail rotor partially ingested an umbrella canopy during an attempted departure from a remote landing site near Meadview, Arizona. The Grand Canyon sightseeing flight was operated by Maverick Helicopters under 14 CFR Part 135. The commercial pilot and six tourist-passengers were uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed; no flight plan was filed.
The aerial tour began at Henderson Executive Airport, Henderson, Nevada. The accident occurred during the attempt to depart from the first intermediate stop after an outbound leg of about 40 minutes. The pilot reported that the day's third flight included a typical tour with a stop at a pre-selected landing site.
According to the pilot, operator, and FAA, the remote landing site had picnic tables and umbrellas for passengers but no designated landing zones and was unattended. Pilots were responsible for ensuring site safety. After passengers reboarded, the pilot lifted into a hover about 2-3 feet above ground. Due to another helicopter's flight path, the pilot held the hover, translated forward and right, and then executed a right pedal turn. He then noticed an rpm decrease, apparent loss of tail rotor effectiveness, and a loud bang. He landed immediately. Inspection revealed that the cloth canopy of an umbrella had been partially ingested by the tail rotor.
Aircraft Information
The helicopter, manufactured in 2006 and registered to the operator in 2008, was equipped with a Turbomeca 281 Series turboshaft engine, a single main rotor, and a shrouded tail rotor (fenestron). Total time in service was 3,114.7 hours; the most recent 100-hour inspection occurred on September 25, 2010. Weight and balance at engine start showed 5,190 lbs (including 470 lbs fuel and 1,113 lbs passengers), within the 5,350 lb maximum gross weight. The center of gravity was within limits.
Meteorological Information
Weather recorded at Grand Canyon West Airport (1G4), about 3 miles northwest and 3,500 feet higher, at 1730 indicated temperature 84°F, dew point 42°F, and wind from WNW at 8 mph. At 1745, wind was 6 mph. The operator reported 95°F at the site; source unknown.
Landing Area
The site was on a promontory at about 1,350 feet elevation, with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. Several wooden tables with umbrellas were scattered about. No marked landing zones existed. The helicopter landed between two tables and the southeast edge; the pilot noted positioning closer than usual to the table and umbrella setup.
Wreckage and Impact Information
An onboard video system recorded the event. It showed liftoff, forward and right translation, a right yaw of about 75°, an image interruption at about 13 seconds, then a left yaw of about 45° and landing 2 seconds later. The helicopter remained upright and intact. Damage concentrated on the tail rotor, fenestron, and tail rotor drive components. Several tail rotor blades were deformed; the fenestron had multiple fractures and penetrations. No pre-accident mechanical deficiencies were identified.
Additional Information
The operator provided training guidance but had no specific distance limits for objects. The helicopter manufacturer noted no flight manual clearance for the tail rotor but stated that adequate thrust is present in a hover. The FAA Rotorcraft Flying Handbook discusses confined area operations and maintaining clearance for the tail rotor. Video footage showed three other helicopters in the vicinity during the two-minute period before the accident.