Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent input of the right tail rotor pedal, which resulted in a loss of directional control and an impact with service equipment.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter pilot reported that during the engine run-up sequence while on a movable helicopter pad attached to a tug, he noticed that the right rear door was not secure. The pilot unhooked his shoulder harness to reach back to secure the door. While attempting to reach the door, the pilot reported that he inadvertently applied right tail rotor pedal, which caused the helicopter to spin to the right multiple times. During the rotation the helicopter departed the movable pad, impacted the tug, and came to rest in an upright position on the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer.
The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA328 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 17, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mcallen, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Mc Allen Miller Intl (MFE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Airbus AS350
- N-number
- N4035W
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1996
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Public aircraft
- Purpose of flight
- PUBF
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.