Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during hover, which resulted in an inadvertent impact with the ground.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the Bell 206L-4 helicopter had completed a simulated engine failure, and was bringing the helicopter to a hover over a grass area, when it impacted the ground from an altitude of approximately 5 feet. The helicopter's tail boom, aft of its attach point was wrinkled, and the tail boom sagged. The pilot stated that he did not experience any mechanical problems with the helicopter. He reported 2,029 hours of total flight experience, which included 1,929 hours in rotorcraft, all in the same make and model as the accident helicopter. Winds reported at the airport, about the time of the accident, were variable at 7 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08CA210 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 8, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Northeast Philadelphia (PNE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206L-4
- N-number
- N94PD
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- 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.