Probable cause
The failure of the tailrotor driveshaft hanger bearing and jamming of the tailrotor.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was demonstrating a hovering maneuver during an airshow. During this maneuver, the helicopter began an uncommanded left turn and landed hard causing substantial damage. Inspection revealed that the #1 tailrotor drive shaft hanger bearing failed, then the tailrotor RPM sensor broke loose, and the tailrotor became jammed.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08LA104 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 9, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lakeland, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Lakeland Linder Regional Airpo (KLAL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built BABY BELLE
- N-number
- N6261N
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Air show
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.