Probable cause
The pilot's abrupt cyclic/pitch attitude control movement, which resulted in a Fenestron ground strike.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the helicopter reported that, during the hover-taxi for departure in the ramp area, he was monitoring another helicopter that had just departed and then "brought [his] eyes inside [the helicopter]" to switch a radio frequency. As the pilot looked back outside, he observed "the nose of a big plane taxiing" from behind another parked airplane to his left. Subsequently, the pilot abruptly applied aft cyclic to stop the helicopter's forward momentum, and the Fenestron struck the ramp. The pilot returned to the ramp area without further incident.
The Fenestron sustained substantial damage.
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 GAA17CA167 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 26, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- Mc Carran Intl (LAS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Eurocopter EC130
- N-number
- N864MH
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2008
- 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.