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August 20, 2007 · Eurocopter Deutschland BK117 · N911R

Slaton, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 20, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Slaton, TX
Aircraft
Eurocopter Deutschland BK117
Tail Number
N911R
Operator
Covenant Health System Dba Aerocare
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DFW07CA186

The helicopter drifted backwards during a confined area operations training and the tail rotor blades struck tree branches while hovering over tall grass. The 11,330 hour flight instructor and the 16,800 hour pilot receiving instruction reported that they were both familiar with the training area being used, the flight was properly briefed, and they had both worked together as a crew in the past. The crew reported that the pilot performed a high recon of the landing area, noting the surface winds, approach and departure paths, and the conditions of the landing zone. The approach was planned to terminate at a hover. The grass at the landing zone is normally less than a foot long; however, due to the record rainfall this year, the grass was 3-to-4 feet tall. Both pilots underestimated the effects of prolonged hovering over tall grass. The tall-waving grass disoriented the pilot and allowed the helicopter to drift into the trees. The flight instructor was clearing the left side of the helicopter during the approach and hover, but was unable to react in time to take the flight controls to stop the drift. The flight crew immediately landed the helicopter in the confined area when they felt a vibration from the tail rotor. The helicopter was recovered to the operator's maintenance facility for damage assessment. Examination of the helicopter by the flight crew, the operator, and the FAA inspector, confirmed that both tail rotor blades were destroyed, the mounting bolts for the tail rotor 90 degree box were damaged or broken, and the tail fin gearbox mounting spar was also damaged.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the hovering helicopter and the flight instructor's improper supervision of the flight.

Full Narrative

The helicopter drifted backwards during a confined area operations training and the tail rotor blades struck tree branches while hovering over tall grass. The 11,330 hour flight instructor and the 16,800 hour pilot receiving instruction reported that they were both familiar with the training area being used, the flight was properly briefed, and they had both worked together as a crew in the past. The crew reported that the pilot performed a high recon of the landing area, noting the surface winds, approach and departure paths, and the conditions of the landing zone. The approach was planned to terminate at a hover. The grass at the landing zone is normally less than a foot long; however, due to the record rainfall this year, the grass was 3-to-4 feet tall. Both pilots underestimated the effects of prolonged hovering over tall grass. The tall-waving grass disoriented the pilot and allowed the helicopter to drift into the trees. The flight instructor was clearing the left side of the helicopter during the approach and hover, but was unable to react in time to take the flight controls to stop the drift. The flight crew immediately landed the helicopter in the confined area when they felt a vibration from the tail rotor. The helicopter was recovered to the operator's maintenance facility for damage assessment. Examination of the helicopter by the flight crew, the operator, and the FAA inspector, confirmed that both tail rotor blades were destroyed, the mounting bolts for the tail rotor 90 degree box were damaged or broken, and the tail fin gearbox mounting spar was also damaged.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 CDT
Nearest AirportLubbock Intl (1nm)
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEurocopter Deutschland BK117
Tail NumberN911R
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCovenant Health System Dba Aerocare
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsTurbomeca · Ariel 1E2 · Turboshaft · 734 | Turbomeca · Ariel 1E2 · Turboshaft · 734
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 56 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data