Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from ground equipment during landing.
NTSB analysis
The operator reported that, during the landing for the air medical helicopter flight, the tail rotor blades collided with a large fire extinguisher that was located on the approach path and abeam a perimeter fence. The helicopter subsequently landed without further incident. The tailboom and horizontal stabilizer were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA018 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 16, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tucson, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Tucson Medical Center (AZ37)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Airbus A350
- N-number
- N544AM
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2007
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
- 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.