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NTSB Report
July 22, 1983 · Bell 206B · N2261L
Melrose, MT
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 22, 1983
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Melrose, MT
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N2261L
Operator
Continental Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN83LA177
THE HELICOPTER TAIL ROTOR CONTACTED A FOREST SERVICE SIGN POST DURING LANDING. THE PILOT WAS AWARE OF THE POST WHEN LANDING BUT LANDED NEAR IT FOR CONVENIENCE IN REFUELING. THE LANDING WAS ON A SLOPE AND THE NOSE OF THE ACFT STARTED SLIDING ON THE SLOPE. THE PILOT RAISED THE ACFT BUT THE NOSE CONTINUED TO YAW WHICH CAUSED THE TAIL ROTOR TO HIT THE POST. THE HELICOPTER THEN YAWED AND ROLLED OVER.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER TAIL ROTOR CONTACTED A FOREST SERVICE SIGN POST DURING LANDING. THE PILOT WAS AWARE OF THE POST WHEN LANDING BUT LANDED NEAR IT FOR CONVENIENCE IN REFUELING. THE LANDING WAS ON A SLOPE AND THE NOSE OF THE ACFT STARTED SLIDING ON THE SLOPE. THE PILOT RAISED THE ACFT BUT THE NOSE CONTINUED TO YAW WHICH CAUSED THE TAIL ROTOR TO HIT THE POST. THE HELICOPTER THEN YAWED AND ROLLED OVER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN2261L
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorContinental Helicopters
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20J · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 6 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT