NTSB investigations
100 cases where the sequence of events included Loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
Cases, newest first
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "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"
Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.
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
Run it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB ERA15LA376Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHughes 269 · Eustis, FLThe 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 CEN15WA435Accident · No injuriesForeign investigationBell 206B · Sept-Iles, CanadaOn 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 CEN15LA375Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Carlos, TXThe 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 GAA15CA102Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 206 - B11 · Caledonia, MIA loss of tail rotor effectiveness while maneuvering at low altitude, resulting in a collision with trees.NTSB CEN15LA185Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportGiackino Donald W Rotorway 162F · Marquette, MIThe loss of helicopter control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.NTSB ERA15CA089Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Barranquitas, PRThe pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while landing which resulted in a tailrotor ground strike and collision with terrain.NTSB CEN15FA003Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L 1 · Wichita Falls, TXThe 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 CEN15LA002Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Woodsboro, TXThe 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 CEN14CA500Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 · Beaumont, TXThe 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 WPR14LA341Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMcdonnell Douglas Helicopter 500N · Idaho Falls, IDThe 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 WPR14CA325Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Honolulu, HIThe 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 WPR14GA281Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportAmerican Eurocopter AS350B3 · Fallon, NVA 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 CEN14CA142Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Bonham, TXThe 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 CEN14GA109Accident · Serious injuriesFinal reportAmerican Eurocopter AS350B3 · Encino, TXThe 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 ERA14WA047Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationRobinson R66 · Rio de Janeiro, BrazilNTSB WPR14CA041Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 206B · Superior, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering during a long-line operation.NTSB ANC13TA076Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBell UH-1B · Tok, AKThe failure of the tail rotor crosshead bearing, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor control.NTSB WPR13FA343Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R44 II · Thompson Falls, MTThe pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control while operating in conditions conducive to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.NTSB ERA13LA314Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSikorsky 269C · Burnham, METhe 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 CEN13LA310Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · La Junta, COThe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind during low-altitude operations, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.NTSB WPR13TA205Accident · No injuriesFinal reportBell BHT407 · Big Fork, MTThe 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 CEN13TA165Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportBell OH-58A · Pine Springs, TXThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control while operating in conditions conducive to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.NTSB CEN13LA148Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson R22 Beta II · Gillett, TXA loss of tail rotor effectiveness while manuevering at low altitude.NTSB ERA12CA357Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportHughes TH-55 · Pittsfield, PAThe student pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control during an encounter with loss of tail rotor effectiveness.NTSB CEN12LA267Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Valley Falls, KSThe pilot’s inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during a hover maneuver, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.NTSB ERA12LA282Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Farmington, CTThe 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 WPR12CA100Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Las Vegas, NVThe 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 CEN12LA120Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportContinental Copters 47G2 · Lohn, TXThe 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 ERA12MA005Accident · 2 fatalMajor investigationFinal reportBell 206B · New York, NYThe 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 ERA11LA409Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Dayton, NJThe 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 CEN11WA412Accident · Serious injuriesForeign investigationMcDonnell Douglas Helicopter 369E · Glastonbury, United KingdomOn 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 WPR11CA264Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Prescott, AZThe 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 ERA11TA318Accident · Minor injuriesFinal reportBell OH-58A · Ft. Pierce, FLThe pilot's failure to recognize and avoid a loss of tail rotor effectiveness, which resulted in a loss of control and hard landing.NTSB ERA11LA297Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206-L4 · Mobile Block 114CCThe pilot’s operation of the helicopter with a left, quartering headwind, resulting in conditions conducive to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.NTSB ERA11WA215Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationBell 205 · San Clemente, ChileNTSB ERA10CA399Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Baldwin, FLA loss of tail rotor effectiveness during a hover.NTSB WPR10CA364Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportBell 206 B II · Big Bear City, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing approach.NTSB CEN09LA413Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · Breckenridge, COThe 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 CEN09CA394Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportSidler Mike Rotorway · Waxahachie, TXThe 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 WPR09LA144Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportMD Helicopter 369D · Trona, CAThe pilot's failure to maintain control while landing in a high density altitude environment due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.NTSB ERA09CA120Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportSchweizer 269C · Panama City, FLThe pilot's encounter with a loss of tail rotor effectiveness during an out-of-ground-effect hover.NTSB ERA09LA020Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSikorsky S-76C · New York, NYThe 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 SEA08LA213Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206B · Woods Landing-Jelm, WYThe 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 NYC08CA305Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 II · Marathon, FLThe pilot's failure to control the helicopter while maneuvering, resulting in loss of tail rotor effectiveness.NTSB NYC08LA287Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportBell 206A · Barnesville, PAThe 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 NYC08CA252Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportBuschmann Robert E Helicycle · Stuart, FLThe pilot's improper decision to take off with a known discrepancy. Contributing to the accident was spilled fuel on the drive belts.NTSB NYC08LA254Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportSchweizer 269C-1 · Northumberland, VAThe pilot's inadequate remedial action after an inadvertent encounter with loss of tail rotor effectiveness.NTSB DFW08CA177Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal reportRobinson R44 II · Canyon Lake, TXA total loss of tail rotor effectiveness. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper decision to operate inside the height velocity curve.NTSB DEN08FA092Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportMcDonnell Douglas Helicopter C MD 500E · Sunrise Beach, MOThe 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 DFW08LA100Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportHiller UH-12E · Quinton, OKAn undetermined mechanical malfuction associated with the tail rotor drive system which led to a loss of control.