Probable cause
Wind gusts during engine shutdown, which resulted in the main rotor blades contacting the tailboom.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter pilot was informed before landing about the wind direction and velocity (330 degrees at 18 knots with gusts to 28 knots). After an uneventful landing he began shutdown of the helicopter. He applied down collective and friction, and following a 2-minute cooldown period for the engine he closed the throttle and guarded the cyclic control. When the main rotor was at 200 rpm, he felt a wind gust from the right side of the helicopter and then heard a loud sound. He applied the rotor brake and exited the helicopter after the main rotor blades stopped. At that time he noted damage to the main rotor blades and also to the tailboom.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09CA138 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 20, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int (ATL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Md Helicopter Inc 369E
- N-number
- N369PD
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- PUBL
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.