| Crash location | 37.726945°N, 89.221111°W |
| Nearest city | Carbondale, IL
37.730050°N, 89.209805°W 0.7 miles away |
| Tail number | N330SL |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 13 Nov 2011 |
| Aircraft type | MESSERSCHMITT-BOLKOW-BLOHM Bk 117 B-2 |
| Additional details: | None |
During an engine shutdown procedure following an emergency medical services flight, a main rotor blade sustained substantial damage when it contacted the left vertical stabilizer. The main rotor blade broke near its root and the tailboom and tail rotor driveshaft cover were dented. The operator reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter. Local recorded winds were 190 degrees at 25 knots gusting to 34 knots.
The main rotor blade’s contact with the vertical stabilizer during the engine shutdown in strong, gusty wind conditions.