Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tower guy wire during the approach to a helipad at night.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter was on a visual descent at night to a hospital helipad when its left skid struck a tower guy wire, which resulted in a portion of the left skid separating from the helicopter. The pilot declared an emergency and diverted to a nearby airport. The operator reported no preincident malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12IA518 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 5, 2012
- Type
- Incident
- Place
- San Antonio, Texas
- Nearest airport
- San Antonio Military Medical (SAMC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Bell 407
- N-number
- N429PH
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Minor
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.