Robinson R44, N835AK: Accident occurred December 15, 2016 in Separ, Grant County, New Mexico

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf 

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf 

Old City Helicopter Sales LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N835AK

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office: Albuquerque, New Mexico 

NTSB Identification: GAA17CA095
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, December 15, 2016 in Separ, NM
Probable Cause Approval Date: 03/13/2017
Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER R44, registration: N835AK
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The helicopter pilot reported that, during approach to land at a trading post, he circled the landing area multiple times to search for obstructions. He further reported that, while on final about 20 to 25 ft above the ground, he noticed multiple electrical wires in front of the helicopter. He lowered the collective to avoid the wires, and the helicopter landed hard.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot’s abrupt maneuver to avoid electrical wires during the approach, which resulted in a hard landing. 

The helicopter pilot reported that during approach to land at a trading post, he circled the landing area multiple times to search for obstructions. He further reported that while on final at about 20-25 feet above the ground he noticed multiple electrical wires in front of the helicopter. He lowered the collective to avoid the wires and the helicopter landed hard.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.