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February 1, 2024 · Robinson Helicopter R44 II · N521LS
Miami, FL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 1, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Miami, FL
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R44 II (2015)
Tail Number
N521LS
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA24LA118
During an air tour flight at night, the pilot of the helicopter noted that the oil pressure and temperature gauges were displaying indications that were in the “red area” so he decided to perform a precautionary landing to a closed helipad. During the precautionary landing, while maneuvering the helicopter just prior to touchdown, the tail rotor contacted a plastic pipe that protruded up about 2 ft from the ground. The pilot further described that it was very dark and that he was unable to see the pipe. Following the tail rotor strike, the helicopter landed hard, deforming the landing skids. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer during the accident.
NTSB Probable Cause
Tail rotor contact with an unseen object while performing a precautionary landing to a closed helipad at night.
Full Narrative
During an air tour flight at night, the pilot of the helicopter noted that the oil pressure and temperature gauges were displaying indications that were in the “red area” so he decided to perform a precautionary landing to a closed helipad. During the precautionary landing, while maneuvering the helicopter just prior to touchdown, the tail rotor contacted a plastic pipe that protruded up about 2 ft from the ground. The pilot further described that it was very dark and that he was unable to see the pipe. Following the tail rotor strike, the helicopter landed hard, deforming the landing skids. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer during the accident.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:34 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRobinson Helicopter R44 II
Tail NumberN521LS
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-AE1A5 · Reciprocating
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind320° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 54 F
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC