Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree during hover flight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a helicopter reported that during a 10 foot hover, he encountered a gust of wind and felt the tail rotor impact a tree. The pilot initiated an autorotation, but the main rotor impacted the tail boom during the descent and the helicopter rolled over after touchdown. The main rotor and tail boom were substantially damaged.
The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA055 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 18, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Searchlight, Nevada
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 47G
- N-number
- N73224
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1962
- 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.