Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while landing in a dusty, unimproved landing zone.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the helicopter reported that, during the landing on the unimproved dirt parking lot, dust started to kick up, and he transitioned to looking through the "chin bubble" for a visual point of reference. When the helicopter was about 5 to 6 ft above the ground, the pilot felt a sudden impact, followed by subsequent impacts from the two additional rotor blades impacting what was later found to be a tree. The helicopter "violently" fell to the ground and rolled onto its left side.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor system.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA404 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 11, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- King Vale, California
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 6
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Eurocopter AS 350
- N-number
- N357PJ
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2002
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial observation
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.