Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

February 7, 1996 · Bell 206B · N32FR

Kemmerer, WY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 7, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Kemmerer, WY
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N32FR
Operator
U S Dept of the Interior
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA96TA050

The pilot attempted a takeoff from snow-covered terrain. As the helicopter began to lift up, it became mired in the snow and moved forward. The pilot then decreased collective in an attempt to reposition the helicopter. At that time, some of the snow became displaced beneath the helicopter, and it rolled over to the right and was substantially damaged.

NTSB Probable Cause

the selection of an unsuitable landing zone by the pilot.

Full Narrative

On February 7, 1996, about 0815 mountain standard time, N32FR, a Bell 206B helicopter, operated by the U.S. Department of the Interior, rolled over during takeoff near Kemmerer, Wyoming, and was substantially damaged. The commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a company flight plan had been filed. The public use flight was conducted for a geological survey under 14 CFR 91. According to the pilot, he attempted a takeoff from snow-covered terrain. As the helicopter began to lift up, it became displaced in the snow and moved forward. The pilot then decreased collective in an attempt to stop the forward motion and reposition the helicopter. At that time, some of the snow became displaced beneath the helicopter, and it rolled over to the right. The rotor blades contacted the ground and were damaged. The entire rotor hub assembly was separated from the mast. Damage to the tail boom and cabin structure was also reported. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were reported. The pilot reported that prior to landing at the landing zone, he performed a low pass. He then attempted to pack the snow under the helicopter's snow pads, and then settled onto the snow and shut down the engine. His two passengers exited the aircraft to perform scientific observations. One of the passengers then re-boarded the aircraft and desired to be flown to another location. It was during this takeoff that the accident occurred.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:15 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN32FR
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorU S Dept of the Interior
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20/B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 19 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point32 C / 28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time14:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data