Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a tree stump during landing in mountainous terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during a personal flight in the helicopter, he made an approach to land in mountainous terrain. While landing, the tail rotor and vertical stabilizer struck tree stump and the helicopter touched down on the uneven surface and came to rest upright. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor and vertical stabilizer.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA172 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 29, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Young, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- (NA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 407
- N-number
- N407BB
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2004
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.