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NTSB Report

September 30, 2016 · Bell 230 NO Series · N903SH

Fargo, ND

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 30, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fargo, ND
Aircraft
Bell 230 NO Series (1994)
Tail Number
N903SH
Operator
Sanford Health
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN16CA393

The pilot reported that he performed his approach into the wind. On short final he could feel periodic gusts of wind. The pilot executed the standard approach to the helipad and the helicopter encountered another gust that picked the helicopter's nose up as it was moving over the pad. He maneuvered the helicopter to center it over the pad when he heard a sound like "metal on metal as if the tail rotor had hit something a couple times." The pilot felt no initial feedback in the controls, he felt the helicopter yaw to the left, and the helicopter continued to yaw to the left with his full application of right pedal. He lowered the collective and rolled off the throttle to enter a hovering autorotation and attempted to land it as level as possible. The helicopter landed hard. The operator reported substantial ground damage occurred to the tail rotor gearbox and tail rotor blades and a review of images revealed damage to the tailboom. A nearby fence and light were reported to be damaged. The operator's accident report indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the ground obstacle during the landing with gusting winds present.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he performed his approach into the wind. On short final he could feel periodic gusts of wind. The pilot executed the standard approach to the helipad and the helicopter encountered another gust that picked the helicopter's nose up as it was moving over the pad. He maneuvered the helicopter to center it over the pad when he heard a sound like "metal on metal as if the tail rotor had hit something a couple times." The pilot felt no initial feedback in the controls, he felt the helicopter yaw to the left, and the helicopter continued to yaw to the left with his full application of right pedal. He lowered the collective and rolled off the throttle to enter a hovering autorotation and attempted to land it as level as possible. The helicopter landed hard. The operator reported substantial ground damage occurred to the tail rotor gearbox and tail rotor blades and a review of images revealed damage to the tailboom. A nearby fence and light were reported to be damaged. The operator's accident report indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:00 CDT
Nearest AirportSanford Health (0nm NNE)
RunwayH1
Runway Length30 ft
Runway Width30 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 230 NO Series
Tail NumberN903SH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSanford Health
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C30 SER · Turboshaft · 650 | Allison · 250-C30 SER · Turboshaft · 650
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind100° @ 10 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 45 C
Altimeter30.37 inHg
Observation Time02:00
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data