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NTSB Report
September 1, 2016 · Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 429 NO Series · N917PD
Rikers Island, NY
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 1, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (6 uninjured)
Location
Rikers Island, NY
Aircraft
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 429 NO Series (2013)
Tail Number
N917PD
Operator
New York City Police Department
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA16CA313
The pilot was landing the helicopter on a nose-up slope when he "noticed the helicopter started to tilt aft." As the pilot "immediately" increased collective pitch and applied forward cyclic to abort the landing, three of the four main rotor blades struck the wire strike protection system on the cabin roof, which resulted in substantial damage to the blades. Representatives from the helicopter manufacturer examined the helicopter, replaced the three damaged rotor blades, and then returned the helicopter to service. According to the pilot, there were no mechanical deficiencies with the helicopter that would have prevented normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s overcontrolling of the helicopter during an aborted slope landing from a hover, which resulted in a main rotor blade strike.
Full Narrative
The pilot was landing the helicopter on a nose-up slope when he "noticed the helicopter started to tilt aft." As the pilot "immediately" increased collective pitch and applied forward cyclic to abort the landing, 3 of 4 main rotor blades struck the wire strike protection system on the cabin roof, which resulted in substantial damage to the blades. Representatives from the helicopter manufacturer inspected the helicopter, replaced the 3 damaged rotor blades, and the helicopter was returned to service. According to the pilot, there were no mechanical deficiencies with the helicopter that prevented normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell Helicopter Textron Canada 429 NO Series
Tail NumberN917PD
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNew York City Police Department
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PW207D1 · Turboshaft · 550 | Pratt & Whitney · PW207D1 · Turboshaft · 550
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (6 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured6
Total6
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 42 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 64 F
Altimeter29.79 inHg
Observation Time16:51
Weather SourceWFAC