Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a building during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while on final approach, the helicopter's tail rotor impacted the corner of a building while he was trying to avoid flying debris. Following the impact, he immediately lowered the collective and landed without further incident. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies during the approach to landing. Examination of the helicopter revealed substantial damage to the tail rotor, gearbox, right horizontal stabilizer, and the tail boom.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA433 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 30, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Humacao, Puerto Rico
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Eurocopter AS 350 B3
- N-number
- N413LP
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.