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July 7, 2017 · Bell 407 NO Series · N650HP

Topeka, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 7, 2017
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Topeka, KS
Aircraft
Bell 407 NO Series (2005)
Tail Number
N650HP
Operator
Kansas Highway Patrol
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA390

The pilot of the helicopter reported that, during a hover taxi while using night vision goggles, he "pedal turned facing the west to line up with [the] landing lines painted on the ramp." He added that he looked under his goggles and observed the right painted mark under the right skid and noted that he estimated that the helicopter was about 6 ft above the ground. He then looked back through his goggles to land the helicopter. The tactical field officer that was on board the helicopter advised the pilot that they needed to move forward. The pilot further reported that he "tried to move forward but nothing happened at which time [he] felt a sudden jolt and then [heard] the noise of the tail rotor strike." The helicopter struck a building and then impacted the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Airport structure-Effect on operation - C

Full Narrative

The pilot of the helicopter reported that, during a hover taxi under night vision goggles, he "pedal turned facing the west to line up with [the] landing lines painted on the ramp". He added that, he looked under his goggles and observed the right painted mark under the right skid, and noted that he estimated that they were about 6 ft above the ground. He then looked back into his goggles to land the helicopter. The tactical field officer that was on board the helicopter advised the pilot that they needed to move forward. The pilot further reported that he "tried to move forward but nothing happened at which time [he] felt a sudden jolt and then [heard] the noise of the tail rotor strike". The helicopter impacted a building then impacted the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time00:34 CDT
Nearest AirportPhilip Billard Muni (0nm W)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 407 NO Series
Tail NumberN650HP
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKansas Highway Patrol
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250-C47B · Turboshaft · 650
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind190° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time05:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data