Probable cause
The pilot's failure to follow the manufacturer's engine shutdown procedure.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported he landed at the airport without incident. During engine shutdown, he applied rotor brake to slow the main rotor blades. When the pilot released the brake, he heard a bang and felt an impact to the aircraft on the rear left side. He reapplied the main rotor brake intermittently until the blades stopped. The pilot exited the aircraft and noticed a tail boom strike occurred. He stated he input aft cyclic during landing to accommodate landing slightly downhill and did not place the controls in neutral during shutdown. According to the manufacture's shutdown procedures, the cyclic and pedals should be in the neutral position.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14CA338 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 2, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Olathe, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Johnson County Executive (OJC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R44
- N-number
- N225TV
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1996
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.