Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while landing off airport, the helicopter landed slightly harder than normal. The pilot flew the helicopter back to the airport without further incident.
A postaccident examination revealed that the helicopter had sustained substantial damage to the tailboom.
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 GAA18CA070 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 6, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Santa Rosa, Arizona
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Eurocopter AS 350
- N-number
- N790AM
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2007
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Public aircraft
- Purpose of flight
- Public aircraft
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.