MBB BK 117 B-2 N440HH

Summary

On 29 November 2003 at about 08:50 local time, a MBB BK 117 B-2 registered N440HH was involved in an accident near Conroe, Texas, United States. 3 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

29 November 2003 at 08:50

Classification

Accident

Location

Conroe, Texas, United States

Nearest airport

None

Coordinates

30.3917, -95.3283

Aircraft

MBB BK 117 B-2

Registration

N440HH

Category

Helicopter

Engines

2

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Positioning

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Houston → Conroe

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night/Dark

NTSB number

FTW04LA069

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while repositioning in a confined landing zone. Contributing factors were the dark night light conditions and the confined area available to the pilot.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

While maneuvering in dark night conditions in a confined landing zone, the air ambulance helicopter's tail rotor blades struck a tree. After impacting the tree, the pilot felt no vibration in the anti-torque pedals or airframe and landed safely. After landing, the pilot elected to not shut down the aircraft, inspected the tail rotor, and returned to the hospital. While at the hospital he inspected the tail rotor again, with the assistance of the company mechanic on duty, and they decided that the aircraft was airworthy. While performing a preflight inspection on the following day, another pilot discovered the damage on the tail rotor blades. The tail rotor blades were then removed and replaced.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.