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November 2, 2013 · Bell 206B B · N888DR

Superior, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 2, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Superior, MT
Aircraft
Bell 206B B (1968)
Tail Number
N888DR
Operator
Montana Aero
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR14CA041

The pilot reported that during the last long-line load of the day moving bags of cedar mulch, while on approach to the drop zone, he looked outside at the trees, and did not see any indication of wind; however, he felt a little shudder as the helicopter came out of translational lift. He again looked outside at the trees, and did not see any indication of wind, and continued his approach to the drop zone. Once over the drop zone, as he went to release the bag, he noticed that the remote hook plug had come unplugged. He decided to pick the load back up and move the bag over to the pile of mulch so he could land and manually unhook the bag. When he picked the bag off the ground, the helicopter started to spin to the right, which he was unable to stop. He noticed that the collective was in the full up position so he lowered it to stop the spinning; however, before he could arrest the spinning, the helicopter struck a pile of mulch, and rolled onto its right side, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering during a long-line operation.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during the last long-line load of the day moving bags of cedar mulch, while on approach to the drop zone, he looked outside at the trees, and did not see any indication of wind; however, he felt a little shudder as the helicopter came out of translational lift. He again looked outside at the trees, and did not see any indication of wind, and continued his approach to the drop zone. Once over the drop zone, as he went to release the bag, he noticed that the remote hook plug had come unplugged. He decided to pick the load back up and move the bag over to the pile of mulch so he could land and manually unhook the bag. When he picked the bag off the ground, the helicopter started to spin to the right, which he was unable to stop. He noticed that the collective was in the full up position so he lowered it to stop the spinning; however, before he could arrest the spinning, the helicopter struck a pile of mulch, and rolled onto its right side, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B B
Tail NumberN888DR
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMontana Aero
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250 SER 400HP · Turboshaft · 400
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 9500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 32 C
Altimeter29.69 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data