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September 15, 2005 · Bell 206B · N2995W

Elk Point, SD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 15, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Elk Point, SD
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N2995W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI05CA271

The helicopter was damaged during a forced landing following an uncommanded right rotation after takeoff. The pilot stated that he departed from the shoreline of a river into a 2 to 3 mile per hour wind. He stated that when the helicopter was about 100 feet in altitude, 100 yards from the shore, and indicating over 50 miles per hour, a slight right turn was initiated. He stated that full left pedal input would not stop the right turn. The pilot elected to return to the shore. He stated that as he approached a flat area, he felt that he would not be able to reach the intended landing area and attempted to turn back toward the river. He said that the left rear skid contacted the sloping ground and the helicopter slid down the slope and came to rest on its left side. Examination of the helicopter subsequent to the accident failed to reveal any anomalies. Continuity of the tail rotor drive and control systems was confirmed. A maintenance record entry dated one day prior to the accident indicated that the tailboom had been replaced. Determination of proper rigging of the tail rotor could not be determined due to bending of the tail rotor control push-pull tubes from impact forces. The pilot reported unlimited visibility, a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and south winds at 2 to 3 miles per hour.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of directional control for undetermined reasons which led to the pilot not being able to maintain clearance from the embankment during the forced landing. The rising embankment was a factor.

Full Narrative

On September 15, 2005, about 1830 central daylight time, a Bell 206B, N2995W, piloted by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following an uncommanded right rotation near Elk Point, South Dakota. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot was not injured. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot's written statement, he had departed from the shoreline of the Mississippi river into a 2 to 3 mile per hour wind. He stated that when the helicopter was about 100 feet in altitude, 100 yards from the shore, and indicating over 50 miles per hour, a slight right turn was initiated. He stated that full left pedal input would not stop the right turn. The pilot elected to return to the shore. He stated that as he approached a flat area, he felt that he would not be able to reach the intended landing area and attempted to turn back toward the river. He said that the left rear skid contacted the sloping ground and the helicopter slid down the slope and cam to rest on its left side. Examination of the helicopter subsequent to the accident failed to reveal any anomalies. Continuity of the tail rotor drive and control systems were confirmed. A maintenance record entry dated September 14, 2005 indicated that the tailboom had been replaced. Determination of proper rigging of the tail rotor could not be determined due to bending of the tail rotor control push-pull tubes from impact forces. The pilot reported unlimited visibility, a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and south winds at 2 to 3 miles per hour.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN2995W
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20 · Turboshaft · 400

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data