Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the electrical box while repositioning.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was repositioning the helicopter on the helipad to refuel. During the maneuver, the helicopter drifted aft and the tailrotor struck an electrical box. The helicopter lost tail rotor authority and landed hard on the skids. The tailrotor driveshaft, gearbox, and driveshaft sustained substantial damage. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA053 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 19, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Searcy, Arkansas
- Nearest airport
- Unity Health Specialty Care (AR78)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 407
- N-number
- N184SF
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1996
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.