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Helicopter Rolls Over After Tail Rotor Strike During Hover

Searchlight, NV, United States

On October 18, 2015, a BELL 47G 3B operated by US HELICOPTER LLC. was involved in an aviation accident near Searchlight, NV. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree during hover flight. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter sustained substantial damage after the tail rotor struck a tree during a low hover, leading to a main rotor impact and rollover during autorotation.

Incident Description

A helicopter pilot was conducting a hover at approximately 10 feet when a gust of wind caused the tail rotor to strike a tree. The pilot immediately initiated an autorotation to manage the descent. During the descent, the main rotor blades impacted the tail boom. Upon touchdown, the helicopter rolled onto its side.

Damage Assessment

The main rotor and tail boom sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation prior to the event.

Sequence of Events

  • The helicopter was in a stable hover at 10 feet.
  • A gust of wind caused the tail rotor to contact a nearby tree.
  • The pilot executed an autorotation.
  • During the descent, the main rotor struck the tail boom.
  • The helicopter rolled over after landing.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotYaw control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Awareness of condition

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Oct 2015 BELL 47G 3B accident near Searchlight, NV?

A helicopter sustained substantial damage after the tail rotor struck a tree during a low hover, leading to a main rotor impact and rollover during autorotation.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Oct 2015 BELL 47G 3B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Oct 2015 involved a BELL 47G 3B, operated by US HELICOPTER LLC., at Searchlight, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree during hover flight.

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