Md Helicopter 369 N5189K accident near Lawrenceville, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during the approach to landing, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

NTSB analysis

During the approach to line up with a helipad, the commercial pilot noted that the helipad was not set up for landing into the wind, so he discontinued the approach and decided to land on a nearby wash rack, into the wind. As he turned right, the helicopter encountered a wind gust, or the wind was blocked by a nearby outbuilding, which can cause a turbulent effect. The helicopter suddenly and violently yawed right and pitched up. He attempted to correct the condition with pedal and cyclic inputs; however, a right spin ensued, and the helicopter spun to the ground and then came to rest on its right side.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that the pilot did not adequately compensate for wind conditions, and when he added power to compensate, the helicopter yawed right and pitched up. The pilot was unable to stop the yaw and lost helicopter control due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA17LA305 for the full record.