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NTSB Report
August 18, 2016 · Bell 206 L4 L4 · N7898X
Broussard, LA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 18, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Broussard, LA
Aircraft
Bell 206 L4 L4 (2004)
Tail Number
N7898X
Operator
Acadiana Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA439
According to the pilot of the skid-equipped helicopter, he was practicing landing on an 18 foot by 18 foot transport dolly. The pilot reported that during his second landing on the dolly, he landed on the aft end of the dolly and the helicopter slid backwards. He recalled that he heard and felt a thump, pulled pitch, and the helicopter ascended about 5 feet, yawed to the right and he initiated an autorotation and landed. He reported that the bottom of the skids showed scrape marks, "so I must have slid back off the dolly and hit the tail stinger." The tailboom and the vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with any portion of the helicopter during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operations.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to attain a proper touchdown point, which resulted in the helicopter sliding off the aft end of the transport dolly.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot of the skid-equipped helicopter, he was practicing landing on an 18 foot by 18 foot transport dolly. The pilot reported that during his second landing on the dolly, he landed on the aft end of the dolly and the helicopter slid backwards. He recalled that he heard and felt a thump, pulled pitch, and the helicopter ascended about 5 feet, yawed to the right and he initiated an autorotation and landed. He reported that the bottom of the skids showed scrape marks, "so I must have slid back off the dolly and hit the tail stinger." The tailboom and the vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with any portion of the helicopter during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operations.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 CDT
Nearest AirportVariable Bor Ram (0nm SE)
RunwayH1
Runway Length65 ft
Runway Width65 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206 L4 L4
Tail NumberN7898X
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAcadiana Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royce · M250-C30P · Turboshaft · 317
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 65 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 9 kt, gusting 18 kt
CeilingBroken clouds 2600 ft
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time18:41
Weather SourceWFAC