Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from transmission power wires, which resulted in a tail rotor strike.
NTSB analysis
The chief pilot reported that, while the pilot was working on transmission power wires, the pilot maneuvered the helicopter closer to the wires to give a better position for the other crewmember. He added that the pilot heard a noise and felt a vibration from the tail section. The pilot moved away from the wires, noticed no abnormality of flight, and returned to the landing zone without further incident.
Postaccident examination revealed that the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor.
The chief 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 GAA18CA249 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 29, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Newark, Ohio
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes 369
- N-number
- N175JL
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1977
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 133 (external load)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.