Probable cause
The main rotor blade’s contact with the vertical stabilizer during the engine shutdown in strong, gusty wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
During an engine shutdown procedure following an emergency medical services flight, a main rotor blade sustained substantial damage when it contacted the left vertical stabilizer. The main rotor blade was broken near its root, and the tailboom and tail rotor driveshaft cover were dented. The local recorded wind was 25 knots gusting to 34 knots. The damage was consistent with the main rotor blade flapping with the gusty wind conditions and impacting the stabilizer. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA078 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 13, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Carbondale, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Memorial Hospital Of Carbondal (5IS1)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK 117 B-2
- N-number
- N330SL
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.