Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the fire truck.
NTSB analysis
The pilot and two crewmembers were on a night air medical flight. While on approach to the landing zone with several obstructions nearby, the pilot noticed a street sign and slowed the helicopter, which lowered the tailboom and tail rotor. The helicopter's tail rotor then struck a hose rack on a fire truck, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19TA075 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 25, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Strum, Wisconsin
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 3
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Mbb BK117
- N-number
- N145EC
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2008
- Damage
- Substantial
- 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.