Md Helicopters Inc 369FF N5841Z accident near Ceiba, Puerto Rico

Probable cause

The pilots’ failure to ensure adequate clearance from the taxiway while performing a quick stop maneuver.

NTSB analysis

The accident pilot was new to the company, and he and the chief pilot were practicing quick stop maneuvers in the helicopter. The pilots reported that while performing a quick stop maneuver over a taxiway, they heard a noise before the nose of the helicopter began turning right and the skids touched down. Postaccident examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that its horizontal stabilizer was substantially damaged. Photographs of the horizontal stabilizer and tail rotor displayed signatures consistent with both contacting the ground during the quick stop maneuver. The pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA172 for the full record.