Robinson R44 II N719TF

Summary

On 4 August 2016 at about 19:30 local time, a Robinson R44 II registered N719TF was involved in an accident near Homer, Alaska, 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

4 August 2016 at 19:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Homer, Alaska, United States

Nearest airport

Homer (HOM)

Coordinates

59.5853, -151.3294

Aircraft

Robinson R44 II

Registration

N719TF

Category

Helicopter

Year built

2005

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Business

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Homer → Homer

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC16CA051

Nobody was injured.

An in-flight collision with a bird resulting in damage to a tail rotor blade, which required replacement.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that while en route, about 1,000 feet above ground level (agl), a loud sound was heard in conjunction with feeling a "bump." At this point, a vibration was felt in the control pedals and a precautionary landing was executed. Upon inspection, an estimated 3-inch area of the tail rotor blade exhibited signs consistent with buckling. Witnesses on the ground reported seeing an object consistent with a bird fall from the sky after contact with the helicopter. No panels or other equipment was missing from the helicopter during an inspection following the landing. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.