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NTSB Report

August 23, 2004 · Bell 206B3 · N2751U

Atlantic City, WY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 23, 2004
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (2 serious injuries, 2 minor injuries)
Location
Atlantic City, WY
Aircraft
Bell 206B3
Tail Number
N2751U
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN04LA130

According to the pilot, he was engaged in a filming operation. He had completed a "high groundspeed" pass and was slowing to approximately "20 mph" into the wind. At approximately 75 feet above the ground, and an airspeed of approximately 60 knots, the pilot continued to maneuver the helicopter around the leeward side of a small hill. During the maneuver, the helicopter encountered a sudden wind shear and a "15 to 20 knot tailwind." The pilot stated that the helicopter lost all response to control inputs, and he was unable to maintain altitude. The helicopter descended, struck the terrain and rolled over. The impact crushed the forward fuselage, separated the main rotor assembly, and buckled the tail boom.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inability to maintain aircraft control, improper in-flight planning and decision making, and failure to compensate for wind conditions, resulting in collision with terrain. Contributing factors were the intentional low-level maneuver, and the wind shear conditions.

Full Narrative

On August 23, 2004, at approximately 1505 mountain daylight time, a Bell 206B3, N2751U, operated by Hawkins and Powers Aviation, Inc., was substantially damaged when it struck high, rolling terrain while maneuvering near Atlantic City, Wyoming. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The local flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The commercial pilot and one passenger received serious injuries and two passengers received minor injuries. The flight originated at approximately 1415. According to the pilot, he was engaged in a filming operation. He was completing a "high groundspeed" pass and was slowing to approximately "20 mph" into the wind. At approximately 75 feet above the ground, and an airspeed of approximately 60 knots, the pilot continued to maneuver the helicopter around the leeward side of a small hill. During the maneuver, the helicopter encountered a sudden wind shear and a "15 to 20 knot tailwind." The pilot stated that helicopter lost all response to control inputs, and he was unable to maintain altitude. The helicopter descended, struck the terrain and rolled over. The impact crushed the forward fuselage, separated the main rotor assembly, and buckled the tail boom. At 1453, the recorded wind condition at Hunt Field (LND), Lander, WY, located approximately 23 nautical miles at 350 degrees, elevation 5586, was, 210 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 18 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:05 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B3
Tail NumberN2751U
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royce · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 430
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (2 serious injuries, 2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 57 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 15 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 37 C
Altimeter29.82 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data