Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to keep the tail rotor clear of an obstacle while attempting to land.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was making a right pedal turn in an attempt to land on the helipad when the tail rotor struck a standpipe on the fuel farm. The helicopter began to become unstable, but the pilot immediately lowered the collective and the helicopter landed upright on the helipad. Neither the pilot nor the two crew members were injured. Postaccident examination of the helicopter revealed damage to the tail rotor blades and substantial damage to the tail rotor gear box. The operator 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 ERA26LA285 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 29, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tuscumbia, Alabama
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206L-3
- N-number
- N29AE
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1986
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.