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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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October 15, 2007 · Bell 407 · N407LL

St Cloud, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 15, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
St Cloud, MN
Aircraft
Bell 407
Tail Number
N407LL
Operator
Air Methods
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI08CA018

The pilot reported that he experienced a stuck microphone after takeoff and elected to return to the helipad for landing. He noted that reversing course for landing resulted in a right quartering tailwind on approach. The pilot reported that about 100 feet above ground level (agl), he noticed that the helicopter was not slowing down. His attempt to reduce the ground speed by "slipping" the aircraft was not successful. As the helicopter approached a line of trees, he turned toward an open area; however, the helicopter began to settle in the turn. He applied power in an attempt to reduce the descent rate and pitched up in order to position the helicopter for a hard landing. Although the descent rate began to decrease about 30 feet agl, the helicopter skids impacted the crest of a hill. The pilot added power and brought the helicopter to a hover, before landing near the heliport.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to execute a go-around when a normal approach to the intended landing point could not be maintained. An additional cause was the excessive descent rate that developed during the approach. Contributing factors were the tailwind condition and the tree line.

Full Narrative

The helicopter was substantially damaged during a hard landing. The pilot reported that he experienced a stuck microphone after takeoff and elected to return to the helipad for landing. He noted that reversing course for landing resulted in a right quartering tailwind on approach. The pilot reported that about 100 feet above ground level (agl), he noticed that the helicopter was not slowing down. His attempt to reduce the ground speed by "slipping" the aircraft was not successful. As the helicopter approached a line of trees, he turned toward an open area; however, the helicopter began to settle in the turn. He applied power in an attempt to reduce the descent rate and pitched up in order to position the helicopter for a hard landing. Although the descent rate began to decrease about 30 feet agl, the helicopter skids impacted the crest of a hill. The pilot added power and brought the helicopter to a hover, before landing near the heliport. The post accident examination revealed that the skids, lower fuselage and left stabilizer were damaged in the hard landing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 CDT
Nearest AirportSt Cloud Muni (1nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 407
Tail NumberN407LL
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAir Methods
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royce · 250-C47B · Turboshaft · 674
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 36 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 8 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 2300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 36 C
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data