Probable cause
The student pilot’s loss of helicopter control during landing.
NTSB analysis
During a solo flight, the student pilot set up an approach to an off-airport landing area. The pilot stated that after he initiated the flare, he applied left anti-torque pedal in preparation for landing. The pilot thought that a gust of wind caught the helicopter’s tail rotor, after which he lost control of the helicopter, which subsequently impacted the terrain. The helicopter was destroyed by a postimpact fire. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA100 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 29, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Floral City, Florida
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 47G-3B
- N-number
- N347BH
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1962
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.