Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from an elk while maneuvering at a low altitude.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter pilot reported that he was maneuvering at a low altitude in an attempt to net an elk. When the helicopter was approximately above the elk, his attention was immediately focused forward due to a small rise in terrain. He pitched the helicopter's nose up, and the helicopter started to shake and spin. Subsequently, the helicopter struck the ground, the right skid broke, and the helicopter came to rest on its right side.
Postaccident examination revealed that the tail rotor had struck the elk when the pilot pitched the helicopter's nose up.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and rotor.
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 GAA18CA127 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 12, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Heber City, Utah
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes 369
- N-number
- N338HW
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1979
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
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.