No fatalities

5 Dec 2017: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 — ATLAS AVIATION LP — Fort Pierce, FL

Fort Pierce, FL, United States

On 5 Dec 2017, a ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44 UNDESIGNAT operated by ATLAS AVIATION LP was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Pierce, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a tail strike and hard landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter pilot reported that while hovering to land on a helipad, the tail struck the ground, causing a hard landing and rollover onto the left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage.

Accident Summary

A helicopter pilot reported that during a hover landing on a helipad, the tail of the helicopter struck the ground. Subsequently, the helicopter landed hard and rolled over onto its left side.

Damage Assessment

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, main rotor blades, and tail boom. The extent of the damage indicates a significant impact during the rollover.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The helicopter was functioning properly prior to the incident.

Weather Conditions

A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located at the airport reported that approximately 20 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 130° at 10 knots. No other weather information was provided.

Contributing factors

Causes

Landing flare — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation