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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.

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NTSB Report

February 1, 2005 · Bell 206B · N59MB

Lancaster, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 1, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lancaster, PA
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N59MB
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC05CA047

As the pilot increased collective to transition to a hover, the helicopter immediately rolled over onto its right side. The pilot added that the helicopter was positioned into the direct sunlight, and he experienced "dazzling sunlight" being reflected from surrounding snow banks. The pilot did not report any mechanical difficulties with the helicopter.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's loss of lateral control while attempting to transition to a hover from the ground. A factor was the bright sunlight conditions.

Full Narrative

On February 1, 2005, at 1426 eastern standard time, a Bell 206B, N59MB, was substantially damaged while attempting to transition to a hover from the ground at the Lancaster Airport, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, as he was raising the collective to hover the helicopter, it immediately rolled over onto its right side. The pilot added that the helicopter was positioned into the direct sunlight, and he experienced "dazzling sunlight" being reflected from surrounding snow banks. The pilot did not report any mechanical difficulties with the helicopter. Inspection of the helicopter revealed that the main rotor blades and the tail rotor assembly sustained substantial damage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:26 EST
Nearest AirportLancaster Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN59MB
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royce · 250C-20R · Turboshaft
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 3 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data