The Bell 206 Jet Ranger that crashed into the East River on Tuesday (October 4) is particularly susceptible, in similar conditions, to a loss of tail rotor control, according to industry reports. Federal investigators said on Thursday (October 6) that they had not yet found any conclusive cause for the crash, in which a British tourist living in Australia was killed and two other passengers were seriously injured.
There are indications that the Bell 206 is more likely than other helicopters to encounter a tail rotor problem, which manifests as a sudden rightward yaw, or swing, and is usually unrelated to mechanical issues. The problem can occur when a helicopter is flying at a low speed and turning.
COMMENT: The pilot of the downed helicopter, Paul Dudley, who has over 20 years' experience in helicopters, has told investigators that he was turning right, shortly after liftoff, when he detected a problem and the helicopter fell into the water. Investigators said they were examining the wind conditions before the accident; a tailwind can sometimes prompt a loss of tail rotor control. The weight and balance of the helicopter’s passengers are also being considered. Pilots are expected to ensure that they are not carrying cargo, human or otherwise, that could exceed a helicopter’s weight limit.
There are indications that the Bell 206 is more likely than other helicopters to encounter a tail rotor problem, which manifests as a sudden rightward yaw, or swing, and is usually unrelated to mechanical issues. The problem can occur when a helicopter is flying at a low speed and turning.
COMMENT: The pilot of the downed helicopter, Paul Dudley, who has over 20 years' experience in helicopters, has told investigators that he was turning right, shortly after liftoff, when he detected a problem and the helicopter fell into the water. Investigators said they were examining the wind conditions before the accident; a tailwind can sometimes prompt a loss of tail rotor control. The weight and balance of the helicopter’s passengers are also being considered. Pilots are expected to ensure that they are not carrying cargo, human or otherwise, that could exceed a helicopter’s weight limit.
