Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance while taxiing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during a hover-taxi maneuver, the tail rotor made contact with the main rotor blade of a parked helicopter that was tied down. The taxiing helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor blades. The pilot did not report and postaccident examination did not reveal any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA580 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 24, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Theodore, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Bayou La Batre (2AL4)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Sikorsky S-76C
- N-number
- N781P
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- 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.