# NTSB investigations: Loss of tail rotor effectiveness NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports. Page 1 of 2 · 77 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB ERA26LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA094.md): Sled Thomas Helicycle · Mobile, AL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 8, 2026 · N3722T · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control during a crosswind approach, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness, an uncommanded spin, hard landing, and subsequent rollover. - [NTSB ERA25LA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA059.md): Bell 206B · Lakeland, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 21, 2024 · N422RH · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control during a tailwind approach, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness, an uncommanded spin, and subsequent hard landing. - [NTSB WPR24LA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA243.md): Mcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 369E · Cottonwood, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 13, 2024 · N473E · Substantial damage > The pilot’s low-speed, high-power maneuvering in high density altitude and near maximum gross weight, which resulted in an uncommanded right yaw due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and a subsequent hard landing. - [NTSB ERA24LA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA205.md): Airbus Helicopters AS350B3 · Plant City, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 1, 2024 · N413JM · Substantial damage > The pilot’s inadequate yaw control of the helicopter while maneuvering at a low altitude and airspeed, which resulted in a hard landing. - [NTSB WPR23LA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA078.md): Airbus Helicopters EC 130 T2 · Boulder City, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 28, 2022 · N835GC · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to apply anti-torque pedal input in a sufficient, timely, and sustained manner while attempting to arrest a turn during a hover-taxi, which resulted in a loss of directional control. Contributing to the severity of the occupants’ injuries… - [NTSB CEN22LA326](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA326.md): Helicopteres Guimbal Cabri G2 · Madison, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 19, 2022 · N457PA · Substantial damage > Loss of tail rotor effectiveness resulting in an in-flight loss of control. - [NTSB WPR22FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA101.md): Mcdonnell Douglas 500N · Newport Beach, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 20, 2022 · N521HB · Substantial damage > The helicopter’s encounter with unanticipated right yaw during a low-altitude, low-airspeed, tight-radius orbit. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction during the orbit, which resulted in the loss of control, his fatigue due to his early… - [NTSB CEN22FA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA086.md): Bell 206B · Livingston, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 30, 2021 · N8AU · Substantial damage > The pilot exceeding the yaw control capability of the helicopter for the flight conditions, resulting in a non-mechanical loss of tail rotor effectiveness. - [NTSB CEN22LA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA009.md): Bell 206 · Gonzales, LA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 6, 2021 · N373SP · Substantial damage > The student pilot’s failure to compensate for an unanticipated right yaw, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and helicopter control. - [NTSB ERA21LA357](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA357.md): Enstrom F28 · Toughkenamon, PA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 8, 2021 · N51789 · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter during an out-of-ground effect hover in a gusty wind, due to loss of tail rotor effectiveness. - [NTSB GAA21WA247](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA21WA247.md): Enstrom 280FX · Llanfachreth, United Kingdom · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Foreign · Aug 25, 2021 · G-OJBB · Substantial damage - [NTSB CEN21LA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA253.md): Schweizer TH55A/269A · Monroe, LA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 3, 2021 · N41G · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control during landing which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. - [NTSB CEN21LA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA153.md): Eurocopter EC130 · Tulsa, OK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 25, 2021 · N259AM · Substantial damage > The pilot’s improper decision to approach the airport and enter a low altitude hover with a gusting quartering tailwind, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness during a turn at a low altitude. - [NTSB WPR21LA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA093.md): Mcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 369E · Queen Creek, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 22, 2021 · N90TG · Substantial damage > The pilot's uncoordinated flight control inputs while entering a hover, which lead to a loss of aircraft control which resulted in the left skid making contact with the ground, causing the helicopter to roll on its side. - [NTSB CEN20LA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA273.md): Aerospatiale AS355 · Rifle, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 11, 2020 · N708AC · Destroyed > A loss of tail rotor effectiveness, the pilot’s subsequent loss of helicopter control, and collision with terrain. - [NTSB WPR20WA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20WA081.md): Oas UH-1H · Williamtown Aerodrome, Australia · Accident · Minor injuries · Foreign investigation · Dec 7, 2019 · VH-OXI · Substantial damage > The government of Australia has notified the NTSB of an accident involving a OAS UH-1H helicopter that occurred on December 07, 2019. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the government of Australia's investigation under the… - [NTSB ERA19LA285](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA285.md): Enstrom F28 · Bloomsburg, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 28, 2019 · N380SH · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain proper forward airspeed and power during final approach, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and impact with terrain. - [NTSB WPR19LA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA205.md): Md Helicopter 369 · Eugene, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 28, 2019 · N438RC · Substantial damage > The left seat pilot’s failure to account for environmental conditions conducive to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and subsequent loss of control. - [NTSB GAA19CA463](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA463.md): Hughes 269A · Springfield, TN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 24, 2019 · N269RR · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control and a loss of tail rotor effectiveness while hover-taxiing and turning toward a taxiway in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a dynamic rollover. - [NTSB ERA19LA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA171.md): Bell 206 · New York, NY · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 15, 2019 · N26BB · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to compensate for adverse wind on final approach, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and aircraft control. - [NTSB CEN18LA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA314.md): Airbus EC 130 T2 · Mullen, NE · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 2018 · N130TG · Substantial damage > The pilot’s inadequate and incorrect antitorque pedal application during a tight, decelerating turn downwind, which resulted in a loss of yaw control. - [NTSB ERA18LA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA192.md): Schweizer 269D · Stewartstown, PA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 14, 2018 · N411HU · Substantial damage > The pilot's inability to maintain yaw control while transitioning to an out of ground effect hover due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. - [NTSB CEN18FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18FA001.md): Brantly B 2B · Midland, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 1, 2017 · N2284U · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness, and his failure to promptly initiate the proper recovery technique, which resulted in a descent that could not be arrested before impacting the… - [NTSB ERA17LA305](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA305.md): MD Helicopter 369 · Lawrenceville, GA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 2017 · N5189K · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during the approach to landing, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. - [NTSB GAA17CA495](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA495.md): Bell 206 · Minden, NV · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 20, 2017 · N6259C · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control during landing due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. - [NTSB CEN17LA267](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA267.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Ireland, IN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 8, 2017 · N7224U · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to apply the proper procedures to recover from a loss of tail rotor effectiveness, which resulted in a loss of control during an aerial application turn. - [NTSB WPR17LA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA143.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Ronan, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 6, 2017 · N442DR · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness during a low-altitude orbiting maneuver and a subsequent hard landing. - [NTSB GAA17CA393](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA393.md): Bell 206 · Dixon, KY · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 6, 2017 · N8159J · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to see and avoid power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to adequately identify hazards to flight during agricultural application operation planning. - [NTSB GAA17CA376](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA376.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 · Kelso, WA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 30, 2017 · N8361N · Substantial damage > The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. - [NTSB GAA17CA369](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA369.md): Bell 206B · Entiat, WA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 26, 2017 · N183TC · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to secure a loose item inside the cockpit that interfered with antitorque pedal control and led to a loss of helicopter control due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. - [NTSB ERA17LA168](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA168.md): Robinson R44 · Newton, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 27, 2017 · N728CB · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during out-of-ground-effect maneuvering at a low airspeed with a tailwind, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. - [NTSB GAA17CA237](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA237.md): Brantly B 2B · Earl Park, IN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 18, 2017 · N2198U · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to recognize that he was operating in the weathercock stability flight regime of loss of tail rotor effectiveness, which resulted in a loss of directional control during the execution of a right pedal turn. - [NTSB CEN17WA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17WA069.md): Sikorsky S92 · North Sea, UK, United Kingdom · Incident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Dec 28, 2016 · G-WNSR > On December 28, 2016, G-WNSR, a Sikorsky S-92A helicopter had a heavy landing on the deck of an offshore platform in the North Sea. The 11 persons on-board were not injured. This accident/incident investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the… - [NTSB WPR16LA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA142.md): Bell UH 1H · Mt. Adams, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 2016 · N790RJ · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control as he slowed the helicopter during a landing approach, which resulted in the loss of helicopter control due to the loss of tail rotor effectiveness. - [NTSB GAA16CA296](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA296.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 · Cahokia/St. Louis, IL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 7, 2016 · N931SH · Substantial damage > The flight instructor's delayed remedial action and his failure to remain vigilant as the helicopter entered the weathercock stability region, in gusting wind conditions, resulting in loss of tail rotor effectiveness and ground impact. - [NTSB GAA16CA201](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA201.md): Helicycle/Morrisey RR RM-1 · Denver, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 22, 2016 · N867TV · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter yaw while operating in conditions conducive to loss of tail rotor effectiveness, resulting in an uncommanded rapid right yaw and ground impact. - [NTSB ERA16CA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16CA160.md): Bell 206 · Baltimore, MD · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 16, 2016 · N326AC · Destroyed > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind while hovering out of ground effect, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. - [NTSB GAA16LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16LA117.md): Helicopteres Guimbal Cabri · Beaumont, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 30, 2016 · N503DS · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind during a hover-taxi and his failure to maintain helicopter control due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. - [NTSB ERA15LA376](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA376.md): Hughes 269 · Eustis, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 25, 2015 · N9567F · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain yaw control as he slowed the helicopter during a landing approach, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. - [NTSB CEN15WA435](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15WA435.md): Bell 206B · Sept-Iles, Canada · Accident · No injuries · Foreign investigation · Sep 2, 2015 · C-GYBK · Substantial damage > On September 2, 2015, about 1345 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), a Bell 206B, Canada Registry C-GYBK, impacted terrain about 19 miles north of Sept-iles, Quebec. Of the five occupants that were on board, the pilot sustained minor injuries, two passengers… - [NTSB CEN15LA375](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA375.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Carlos, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 22, 2015 · N445HS · Substantial damage > The pilot’s improper decision to turn the helicopter toward a tailwind during an out-of-ground-effect hover, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. Contributing to the accident was the accident and lead pilots’ inadequate preflight risk… - [NTSB GAA15CA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA102.md): Bell 206 - B11 · Caledonia, MI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 29, 2015 · N206ED · Substantial damage > A loss of tail rotor effectiveness while maneuvering at low altitude, resulting in a collision with trees. - [NTSB CEN15LA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA002.md): Bell 206B · Woodsboro, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 2, 2014 · N49746 · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to recognize and correct for flight conditions conducive to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness, which resulted in a rapid, uncommanded right yaw and subsequent hard landing. - [NTSB CEN14CA500](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14CA500.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 · Beaumont, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 15, 2014 · N9844N · Substantial damage > The pilot's loss tail rotor effectiveness while attempting a taxiway side-step during landing. Contributing to the accident was another pilot's failure to ensure the runway was clear before occupying the runway for takeoff. - [NTSB WPR14LA341](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA341.md): Mcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 500N · Idaho Falls, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 2014 · N18GH · Substantial damage > The pilot’s loss of helicopter control for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the helicopter did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. - [NTSB WPR14CA325](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA325.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Honolulu, HI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 2, 2014 · N110JC · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to maintain aircraft control during taxi, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and subsequent impact with the taxiway and a parked fuel truck. - [NTSB WPR14GA281](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14GA281.md): American Eurocopter AS350B3 · Fallon, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Jul 4, 2014 · N832PA · Substantial damage > A loss of tail rotor effectiveness, which resulted in an uncontrolled rotation and descent into terrain. Contributing to the accident was a sudden shift in wind conditions and the helicopter's high power demand condition due to its load weight and operating… - [NTSB CEN14CA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14CA142.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Bonham, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 14, 2014 · N494SH · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate recovery from a loss of tail rotor effectiveness during a low altitude downwind hover in a gusty wind condition resulting in the helicopter contacting the ground and rolling over. - [NTSB CEN14GA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14GA109.md): American Eurocopter AS350B3 · Encino, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Jan 10, 2014 · N3948A · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while maneuvering, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s limited experience in the operating environment and lack of formal mission training. - [NTSB ERA14WA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14WA047.md): Robinson R66 · Rio de Janeiro, Brazil · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Nov 20, 2013 · PR-MXM · Substantial damage Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/242/cases.md?page=2 ## The whole list in SQL Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS: ```sql SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT e.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' e WHERE e."isDefiningEvent" AND e."tier2Number" = '242') ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/242/cases --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.