Event ERA20CA184

Factual narrative

The pilot of a helicopter reported that while maneuvering at low altitude, about 150 ft above the ground at night, the helicopter struck a tree. Subsequently, the helicopter started spinning to the right, impacted terrain, and rolled onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail-boom and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot of a helicopter reported that while maneuvering at low altitude, about 150 ft above the ground at night, the helicopter struck a tree. Subsequently, the helicopter started spinning to the right, impacted terrain, and rolled onto its left side. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail-boom and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or F (Factor).

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Monitoring environment-Pilot - C
• F Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Light condition-Dark-Contributed to outcome - F
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Tree(s)-Not specified