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June 25, 2023 · Bell Helicopter Textron 206B · N919AC

Sandersville, GA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 25, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sandersville, GA
Aircraft
Bell Helicopter Textron 206B (1988)
Tail Number
N919AC
Operator
Vertical Vegetation Management
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA23LA295

The pilot stated that while conducting agricultural spraying operations, he flew back to the fuel truck for fuel. He radioed his spotter and asked if the area was clear, and the spotter told him it was. He was attempting to land on a trailer when the tail rotor came into contact with some tree limbs and several tail rotor blades separated from the helicopter. The helicopter immediately lost tail rotor authority and began to yaw. The pilot then tried to move the helicopter away from the trailer and land on the ground. The tail rotor and gearbox separated from the helicopter before the pilot landed the helicopter on the ground. The helicopter’s empennage was substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance of trees during landing, which resulted in a tail rotor contact with tree limbs and a subsequent loss of control.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that while conducting agricultural spraying operations, he flew back to the fuel truck for fuel. He radioed his spotter and asked if the area was clear, and the spotter told him it was. He was attempting to land on a trailer when the tail rotor came into contact with some tree limbs and several tail rotor blades separated from the helicopter. The helicopter immediately lost tail rotor authority and began to yaw. The pilot then tried to move the helicopter away from the trailer and land on the ground. The tail rotor and gearbox separated from the helicopter before the pilot landed the helicopter on the ground. The helicopter’s empennage was substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell Helicopter Textron 206B
Tail NumberN919AC
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorVertical Vegetation Management
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royce · M250-C20 · Turboshaft · 420
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time19:30
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data