Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, he was using a helicopter to drive horses and misjudged his height above the terrain when a horse unexpectedly turned toward him. He pulled back on the cyclic, the tail rotor struck the terrain, and the helicopter immediately started a yaw to the right. The pilot rolled the throttle off to slow the turn and cushioned the landing by adding collective. Once outside the helicopter the pilot noticed that the tail rotor driveshaft had sustained substantial damage.
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 WPR22LA305 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 15, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ely, Nevada
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes Helicopters Inc 369E
- N-number
- N500AR
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1985
- 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.