Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain while hover taxiing backward, resulting in the tail striking terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that as the helicopter was in a hover and backed off of the landing pad, the vertical stabilizer impacted rising terrain. The pilot further reported that he was able to land back on the landing pad 30 feet away with no further incident.
A post examination of the helicopter revealed that the rear vertical stabilizer had received substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA450 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 24, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Peach Springs, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Grand Canyon West (1G4)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Airbus AS350
- N-number
- N839PA
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2013
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.