Probable cause
Tail rotor contact with an unseen object while performing a precautionary landing to a closed helipad at night.
NTSB analysis
During an air tour flight at night, the pilot of the helicopter noted that the oil pressure and temperature gauges were displaying indications that were in the “red area” so he decided to perform a precautionary landing to a closed helipad. During the precautionary landing, while maneuvering the helicopter just prior to touchdown, the tail rotor contacted a plastic pipe that protruded up about 2 ft from the ground. The pilot further described that it was very dark and that he was unable to see the pipe. Following the tail rotor strike, the helicopter landed hard, deforming the landing skids. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer during the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA118 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 1, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Miami, Florida
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II
- N-number
- N521LS
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2015
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
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.