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NTSB Report
April 1, 2023 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N462BA
Elko, NV
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 1, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Elko, NV
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2008)
Tail Number
N462BA
Operator
Elkhorn Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR23LA145
The purpose of the flight was aerial animal control. The pilot reported that while flying at about 30kts and 50 ft above the ground and during a sweeping turn to avoid the effects of an estimated 30 kt tailwind at low altitude, a strong wind gust occurred in the path of the tailwind, which led to an uncontrolled descent rate. Unable to arrest the descent rate, the pilot executed a run-on landing. Environmental conditions weakened the pilot’s depth perception, which resulted in a tail strike that sheared off the tail boom. The main rotor blades contacted the ground and the helicopter rolled on its side, substantially damaging the fuselage and tail boom. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient altitude and airspeed in gusting tailwind conditions that resulted in an unrecoverable descent and impact with terrain.
Full Narrative
The purpose of the flight was aerial animal control. The pilot reported that while flying at about 30kts and 50 ft above the ground and during a sweeping turn to avoid the effects of an estimated 30 kt tailwind at low altitude, a strong wind gust occurred in the path of the tailwind, which led to an uncontrolled descent rate. Unable to arrest the descent rate, the pilot executed a run-on landing. Environmental conditions weakened the pilot’s depth perception, which resulted in a tail strike that sheared off the tail boom. The main rotor blades contacted the ground and the helicopter rolled on its side, substantially damaging the fuselage and tail boom. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:23 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN462BA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorElkhorn Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating · 245
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class · None
Crew 2None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 16 kt, gusting 27 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 F / 23 F
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time15:56
Weather SourceWFAC