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NTSB Report
September 25, 2021 · Bell 407 · N662RL
Patterson, LA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 25, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Patterson, LA
Aircraft
Bell 407 (1997)
Tail Number
N662RL
Operator
Rotorcraft Leasing
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA456
While hovering from the helicopter pad to reposition for takeoff, the pilot backed up the helicopter. During a pedal turn, the tail rotor contacted another helicopter’s main rotor blades, which was parked and located behind on another pad. The pilot reported she felt a strong jolt to the left, and the helicopter began to spin. The pilot lowered the collective, reduced throttle, and the helicopter came to rest upright adjacent to the helicopter pad. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a parked helicopter while hovering to reposition for takeoff.
Full Narrative
While hovering from the helicopter pad to reposition for takeoff, the pilot backed up the helicopter. During a pedal turn, the tail rotor contacted another helicopter’s main rotor blades, which was parked and located behind on another pad. The pilot reported she felt a strong jolt to the left, and the helicopter began to spin. The pilot lowered the collective, reduced throttle, and the helicopter came to rest upright adjacent to the helicopter pad. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:55 CDT
Nearest AirportHarry P Williams Meml (0nm E)
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 407
Tail NumberN662RL
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRotorcraft Leasing
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250-C30 · Turboshaft · 650
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 25 · First Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility0.2 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 F / 57 F
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time07:01
Weather SourcePILO