# 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 2 of 2 · 100 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [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 CEN15LA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA185.md): Giackino Donald W Rotorway 162F · Marquette, MI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 28, 2015 · N556DG · Substantial damage
  > The loss of helicopter control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
- [NTSB ERA15CA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15CA089.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Barranquitas, PR · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 2, 2015 · N3183T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while landing which resulted in a tailrotor ground strike and collision with terrain.
- [NTSB CEN15FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA003.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206L 1 · Wichita Falls, TX · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 2014 · N335AE · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain yaw control when he applied power to execute a go-around at a low airspeed in dark, night conditions, which resulted in a rapid, uncommanded right yaw due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [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
- [NTSB WPR14CA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA041.md): Bell 206B · Superior, MT · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 2, 2013 · N888DR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering during a long-line operation.
- [NTSB ANC13TA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC13TA076.md): Bell UH-1B · Tok, AK · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Aug 8, 2013 · N70NW · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the tail rotor crosshead bearing, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor control.
- [NTSB WPR13FA343](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA343.md): Robinson Helicopter R44 II · Thompson Falls, MT · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2013 · N25WH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while operating in conditions conducive to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB ERA13LA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA314.md): Sikorsky 269C · Burnham, ME · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 3, 2013 · N888ZW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain yaw control while operating out of ground effect at a low airspeed, which resulted in the loss of tail rotor effectiveness, an uncontrolled descent, and an in-flight collision with trees and terrain. Contributing to the…
- [NTSB CEN13LA310](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA310.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · La Junta, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 7, 2013 · N20Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind during low-altitude operations, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB WPR13TA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13TA205.md): Bell BHT407 · Big Fork, MT · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Apr 25, 2013 · N937GR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control while maneuvering over mountainous terrain in strong up/downdrafts and possible mountain wave activity, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB CEN13TA165](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13TA165.md): Bell OH-58A · Pine Springs, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Feb 14, 2013 · N337PW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while operating in conditions conducive to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB CEN13LA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA148.md): Robinson R22 Beta II · Gillett, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 1, 2013 · N3059Q · Substantial damage
  > A loss of tail rotor effectiveness while manuevering at low altitude.
- [NTSB ERA12CA357](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12CA357.md): Hughes TH-55 · Pittsfield, PA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 19, 2012 · N74914 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control during an encounter with loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB CEN12LA267](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA267.md): Bell 206B · Valley Falls, KS · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 2, 2012 · N85RB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during a hover maneuver, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB ERA12LA282](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA282.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Farmington, CT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 14, 2012 · N1152W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind during a high-power, low-speed downwind turn, which resulted in a loss of control due to loss of tail rotor effectiveness and settling with power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to land…
- [NTSB WPR12CA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA100.md): Schweizer 269C · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 11, 2012 · N20536 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the known wind conditions during a hovering maneuver, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and directional control.
- [NTSB CEN12LA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA120.md): Continental Copters 47G2 · Lohn, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 1, 2012 · N9021R · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation of the tail rotor gearbox by maintenance personnel, which led to accelerated wear of the ring and pinion gears, resulting in the loss of tail rotor effectiveness and subsequent forced landing.
- [NTSB ERA12MA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12MA005.md): Bell 206B · New York, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 2011 · N63Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to anticipate and correct for conditions (high gross weight, low indicated airspeed, and a right downwind turn) conducive to loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE), which resulted in LTE and an uncontrolled spin. Contributing to the…
- [NTSB ERA11LA409](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA409.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Dayton, NJ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 2011 · N83509 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind during an out-of-ground-effect hover, which resulted in a loss of control due to settling with power and loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB CEN11WA412](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11WA412.md): McDonnell Douglas Helicopter 369E · Glastonbury, United Kingdom · Accident · Serious injuries · Foreign investigation · Jun 19, 2011 · G-KSWI · Substantial damage
  > On June 19, 2011, at 1420 universal coordinated time (UTC), a McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company model 369E, United Kingdom registration G-KSWI, s/n 0204E, was substantially damaged during an emergency landing after experiencing a mechanical failure of the…
- [NTSB WPR11CA264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA264.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Prescott, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 18, 2011 · N334DC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control of the helicopter during taxi, resulting in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and a subsequent hard landing.
- [NTSB ERA11TA318](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11TA318.md): Bell OH-58A · Ft. Pierce, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · May 29, 2011 · N911SL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to recognize and avoid a loss of tail rotor effectiveness, which resulted in a loss of control and hard landing.
- [NTSB ERA11LA297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA297.md): Bell 206-L4 · Mobile Block 114CC · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 13, 2011 · N266P · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s operation of the helicopter with a left, quartering headwind, resulting in conditions conducive to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB ERA11WA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11WA215.md): Bell 205 · San Clemente, Chile · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Mar 24, 2011 · CC-CID · Destroyed
- [NTSB ERA10CA399](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA399.md): Schweizer 269C · Baldwin, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 4, 2010 · N6143K · Substantial damage
  > A loss of tail rotor effectiveness during a hover.
- [NTSB WPR10CA364](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA364.md): Bell 206 B II · Big Bear City, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 24, 2010 · N788BD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing approach.
- [NTSB CEN09LA413](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA413.md): Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Breckenridge, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 2009 · N38AZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while maneuvering due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to monitor wind direction while operating in the "Critical Wind Azimuth Area."
- [NTSB CEN09CA394](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA394.md): Sidler Mike Rotorway · Waxahachie, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 27, 2009 · N1934 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to control his rate of descent during autorotation, which required an aggressive recovery maneuver and resulted in a sudden loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB WPR09LA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA144.md): MD Helicopter 369D · Trona, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 7, 2009 · N501EF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control while landing in a high density altitude environment due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB ERA09CA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA120.md): Schweizer 269C · Panama City, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 31, 2008 · N36254 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's encounter with a loss of tail rotor effectiveness during an out-of-ground-effect hover.
- [NTSB ERA09LA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA020.md): Sikorsky S-76C · New York, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 16, 2008 · N552J · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the flightcrew to stabilize the helicopter over its confined landing area during a hovering left-pedal turn, resulting in tail rotor blade contact with a perimeter fence component and a subsequent loss of directional control. Contributing to…
- [NTSB SEA08LA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08LA213.md): Bell 206B · Woods Landing-Jelm, WY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 27, 2008 · N59611 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's encounter with a loss of tail rotor effectiveness event and his failure to maintain directional control while maneuvering. Contributing to the accident were the tailwind condition and the sloping, uneven terrain.
- [NTSB NYC08CA305](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08CA305.md): Robinson R44 II · Marathon, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 6, 2008 · N144SA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to control the helicopter while maneuvering, resulting in loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB NYC08LA287](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA287.md): Bell 206A · Barnesville, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 22, 2008 · N67AR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during the low-speed, low-altitude maneuver which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB NYC08CA252](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08CA252.md): Buschmann Robert E Helicycle · Stuart, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 19, 2008 · N3375C · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to take off with a known discrepancy. Contributing to the accident was spilled fuel on the drive belts.
- [NTSB NYC08LA254](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA254.md): Schweizer 269C-1 · Northumberland, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 11, 2008 · N61425 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate remedial action after an inadvertent encounter with loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
- [NTSB DFW08CA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08CA177.md): Robinson R44 II · Canyon Lake, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 5, 2008 · N804DF · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of tail rotor effectiveness. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to operate inside the height velocity curve.
- [NTSB DEN08FA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN08FA092.md): McDonnell Douglas Helicopter C MD 500E · Sunrise Beach, MO · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 26, 2008 · N686F · Substantial damage
  > The loss of tail rotor effectiveness and the pilot's failure to regain aircraft control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to fly in known adverse weather conditions and the gusty winds generated from convective outflow. Contributing to…
- [NTSB DFW08LA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08LA100.md): Hiller UH-12E · Quinton, OK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 7, 2008 · N34SD · Substantial damage
  > An undetermined mechanical malfuction associated with the tail rotor drive system which led to a loss of control.

## 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 s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '242' AND s.case_mkey IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' WHERE "isDefiningEvent"))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/242/sequence?page=2

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