Palm Gardens, NV, USA
N972BW
MCDONNELL DOUGLAS HELI CO 369FF
The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff, the helicopter encountered a dust devil from the right side, which caused the helicopter to yaw right and descend. Despite the pilot’s best attempt to control the helicopter, it struck terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control during an encounter with a dust devil shortly after takeoff.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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