Probable cause
The helicopter’s striking of a pothole while taxiing, which resulted in the right main landing gear collapsing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while the copilot was taxiing the wheel-equipped helicopter to the runway for departure, he saw a "bump" on the concrete. The copilot reported that he attempted to stop before the "bump," which turned out to be a pothole, but the helicopter struck the pothole with the right main landing gear, which collapsed. The pilot and the copilot both reported that the taxi speed was less than 5 knots.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the internal fuselage structure.
The Director of Operations 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 GAA18CA138 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 18, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- New Iberia, Louisiana
- Nearest airport
- Acadiana Rgnl (ARA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Day
Sikorsky S76
- N-number
- N860AL
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2002
- 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.