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NTSB Report
October 18, 2007 · Bell 206B-III · N51698
Medora, ND
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 18, 2007
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Medora, ND
Aircraft
Bell 206B-III
Tail Number
N51698
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI08CA021
The pilot lost control of the helicopter and it impacted the terrain after a skid caught the top of a wire fence. The helicopter was being used for a herding mission when the left skid caught the top wire of a ten foot high fence. The helicopter began a dynamic roll to the left and impacted the ground. The pilot reported trying to counteract the roll by "reducing the power and adjusting the cyclic but was unsuccessful."
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot failed to maintain clearance from the fence while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resuled in the helicopter rolling over and impacting the terrain. A factor associated with the accident was the fence.
Full Narrative
The helicopter impacted the terrain after a skid caught the top of a wire fence. The helicopter was being used for a herding mission when the left skid caught the top wire of a ten foot high fence. The helicopter began a dynamic roll to the left and impacted the ground. The pilot reported trying to counteract the roll by "reducing the power and adjusting the cyclic but was unsuccessful." The main rotor blades were destroyed, the main rotor system separated from the mast, the main transmisison deck ripped from the fuselage and the tailboom separated from the fuselage. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:05 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206B-III
Tail NumberN51698
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royce · 250-C20R-2 · Turboshaft
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 69 · Second Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind338° @ 10 kt, gusting 21 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingOvercast 2900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 43 C
Altimeter29.55 inHg
Observation Time17:13
Weather SourceWFAC