tail rotor

noun

1. a small propeller fitted to the rear of a helicopter to counteract the torque reaction of the main rotor and thus prevent the body of the helicopter from rotating in an opposite direction

Example Sentences

It appeared that the helicopter augered into the dirt embankment on the side of the highway, tearing up weeds with its tail rotor before skidding across five freeway lanes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But if a drone hits the right spot — gets sucked into the engine or hits a tail rotor— the aircraft could crash and the pilots could easily be killed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When the report final report was published, it concluded a tail rotor bearing seized, which in turn caused the helicopter to crash.

Read more on BBC

The tail rotor counteracts the torque of a helicopter's main rotor to ensure the aircraft does not spin out of control.

Read more on Reuters

It concludes a tail rotor bearing seized, which in turn caused the crash.

Read more on BBC