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NTSB Report
August 24, 2016 · Airbus AS350 B3 · N839PA
Peach Springs, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 24, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Peach Springs, AZ
Aircraft
Airbus AS350 B3 (2013)
Tail Number
N839PA
Operator
Papillon Airways
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA450
The pilot reported that as the helicopter was in a hover and backed off of the landing pad, the vertical stabilizer impacted rising terrain. The pilot further reported that he was able to land back on the landing pad 30 feet away with no further incident. A post examination of the helicopter revealed that the rear vertical stabilizer had received substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while hover taxiing backward, resulting in the tail striking terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that as the helicopter was in a hover and backed off of the landing pad, the vertical stabilizer impacted rising terrain. The pilot further reported that he was able to land back on the landing pad 30 feet away with no further incident. A post examination of the helicopter revealed that the rear vertical stabilizer had received substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 MST
Nearest AirportGrand Canyon West (0nm NW)
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAirbus AS350 B3
Tail NumberN839PA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPapillon Airways
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsTurbomeca · Arriel 2d · Turboshaft · 951
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 10 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time20:51
Weather SourceWFAC