Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a light post during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was conducting a routine positioning flight to a hospital helipad; a procedure he had performed multiple times previously. While maneuvering to land, he thought he was lower than normal and continued to maneuver for the landing. During the landing flare, the pilot heard a loud noise and felt a vibration but landed uneventfully. After the flight, the pilot discovered that the tail rotor had contacted a helipad light post during the landing sequence, which resulted in substantial damage to the tailboom and tail rotor.
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 WPR26LA099 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 5, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Libby, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Cabinet Peaks Medical Center (None)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada BHT407
- N-number
- N407VS
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2017
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.