Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a tail strike and hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter pilot reported that, while hovering to land on a helipad, the tail struck the ground. He added that the helicopter landed hard and rolled over onto its left side.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, main rotor blades, and tailboom.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport revealed that, about 20 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 130° at 10 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA072 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 5, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fort Pierce, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Treasure Coast Intl (FPR)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Robinson Helicopter R44
- N-number
- N99RW
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2000
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.