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NTSB Report
January 6, 1983 · Bell 206B III · N55LW
Sula, MT
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 6, 1983
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Location
Sula, MT
Aircraft
Bell 206B III
Tail Number
N55LW
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN83FA045
THE HELICOPTER CRASHED TAIL LOW AND ROLLED OVER IN AN OPEN FIELD DURING MARGINAL WEATHER. THE PILOT WAS FLYING ON AN EXPIRED STUDENT CERTIFICATE AND EXPIRED MEDICAL. ACCORDING TO A PILOT WHO HAD WORKED WITH HIM THE PILOT HAD NO HELICOPTER RATING. WITNESSES STATED THE WEATHER CONDITIONS AS POOR VISIBILITY AND SNOWING. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE DID NOT REVEAL ANY SPECIFIC REASON FOR LOW ROTOR RMP JUST PRIOR TO GROUND IMPACT.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER CRASHED TAIL LOW AND ROLLED OVER IN AN OPEN FIELD DURING MARGINAL WEATHER. THE PILOT WAS FLYING ON AN EXPIRED STUDENT CERTIFICATE AND EXPIRED MEDICAL. ACCORDING TO A PILOT WHO HAD WORKED WITH HIM THE PILOT HAD NO HELICOPTER RATING. WITNESSES STATED THE WEATHER CONDITIONS AS POOR VISIBILITY AND SNOWING. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE DID NOT REVEAL ANY SPECIFIC REASON FOR LOW ROTOR RMP JUST PRIOR TO GROUND IMPACT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:20 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206B III
Tail NumberN55LW
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 29 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 5 kt, gusting 15 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT