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NTSB Report
January 27, 1986 · Bell 206L-1 · N5019K
Missoula, MT
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 27, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Missoula, MT
Aircraft
Bell 206L-1
Tail Number
N5019K
Operator
Minuteman Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN86FA069
THE HELICOPTER, EQUIPPED WITH LANDING SKID SNOW PADS, WAS PARKED ON A NARROW RAMP EXTENSION TO A ROOF TOP HELIPAD THAT WAS SURROUNDED BY A CONCRETE CURB. UPON TAKEOFF TO A HOVER, THE RIGHT SNOW PAD STRUCK AND BECAME MOMENTARTILY CAUGHT ON BOLTS PROTRUDING FROM THE TOP OF THE CURB LOCATED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HELICOPTER, RESULTING IN A RIGHT ROLLING ACTION OF THE HELICOPTER. THE LIFT FORCES BENT THE SNOW PAD, SUDDENLY DISENGAGING IT FROM THE BOLTS, AT WHICH TIME THE ACFT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TOWARD A BUILDING. AS THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO REGAIN CONTROL TO AVOID IMPACT WITH THE BUILDING, THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK THE ROOF TOP AND ANTI-TORQUE CONTROL WAS LOST. THE ACFT SPUN TO THE RIGHT UNTIL IMPACT ON THE HELIPAD.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER, EQUIPPED WITH LANDING SKID SNOW PADS, WAS PARKED ON A NARROW RAMP EXTENSION TO A ROOF TOP HELIPAD THAT WAS SURROUNDED BY A CONCRETE CURB. UPON TAKEOFF TO A HOVER, THE RIGHT SNOW PAD STRUCK AND BECAME MOMENTARTILY CAUGHT ON BOLTS PROTRUDING FROM THE TOP OF THE CURB LOCATED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HELICOPTER, RESULTING IN A RIGHT ROLLING ACTION OF THE HELICOPTER. THE LIFT FORCES BENT THE SNOW PAD, SUDDENLY DISENGAGING IT FROM THE BOLTS, AT WHICH TIME THE ACFT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TOWARD A BUILDING. AS THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO REGAIN CONTROL TO AVOID IMPACT WITH THE BUILDING, THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK THE ROOF TOP AND ANTI-TORQUE CONTROL WAS LOST. THE ACFT SPUN TO THE RIGHT UNTIL IMPACT ON THE HELIPAD.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:52 MST
Nearest AirportMISSOULA (5nm NW)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206L-1
Tail NumberN5019K
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMinuteman Aviation
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C28 · Turboshaft · 435
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point27 C / 19 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourcePILO