Accident Pilot Was New To The Company, And He And The Chief Pilot Were Practicing Quick Stop Maneuvers

Location: Ceiba, Puerto Rico Accident Number: ERA24LA172
Date & Time: April 9, 2024, 09:45 Local Registration: N5841Z
Aircraft: MD Helicopters Inc 369FF Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis: The accident pilot was new to the company, and he and the chief pilot were practicing quick stop maneuvers in the helicopter. The pilots reported that while performing a quick stop maneuver over a taxiway, they heard a noise before the nose of the helicopter began turning right and the skids touched down. Postaccident examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that its horizontal stabilizer was substantially damaged. 

Photographs of the horizontal stabilizer and tail rotor displayed signatures consistent with both contacting the ground during the quick stop maneuver. The pilots
reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilots’ failure to ensure adequate clearance from the taxiway while performing a quick stop maneuver.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov