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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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April 6, 2016 · Bell 206 L4 · N73AW

Supai, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 6, 2016
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Supai, AZ
Aircraft
Bell 206 L4 (1995)
Tail Number
N73AW
Operator
Airwest Helicopters
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA179

The pilot reported that he was performing external load long line hauling operations with a helicopter and was on a return leg with two empty nets. During the approach to a hilltop helipad, the pilot reported that he performed a normal approach, rather than a long line approach. Subsequently, the 100 foot long line snagged on a ridgeline and the helicopter jerked in an uncontrollable turn to the right, touched down right skid first, and rolled over. The pilot reported that he forgot that the long line was still attached. The tail boom was substantially damaged. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The operator submitted two operator/ owner safety recommendations to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge. First, the operator revised the normal operation checklist. The revised checklist included a new "CARGO HOOK – CHECK" in both the BEFORE TAKEOFF and DESCENT AND LANDING checklist. Second, the chief pilot provided a copy of a memorandum to all employees that directs the use of an observer, when available, to observe the takeoff and landings and communicate any unsafe condition to the pilot via radio communication or hand signals.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to fly a normal approach and forgetting that the long line remained attached to the helicopter, which resulted in the line snagging on a ridgeline, a loss of lateral control, and a rollover.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was performing external load long line hauling operations with a helicopter and was on a return leg with two empty nets. During the approach to a hilltop helipad, the pilot reported that he performed a normal approach, rather than a long line approach. Subsequently, the 100 foot long line snagged on a ridgeline and the helicopter jerked in an uncontrollable turn to the right, touched down right skid first, and rolled over. The pilot reported that he forgot that the long line was still attached. The tail boom was substantially damaged. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The operator submitted two operator/ owner safety recommendations to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge. First, the operator revised the normal operation checklist. The revised checklist included a new "CARGO HOOK – CHECK" in both the BEFORE TAKEOFF and DESCENT AND LANDING checklist. Second, the chief pilot provided a copy of a memorandum to all employees that directs the use of an observer, when available, to observe the takeoff and landings and communicate any unsafe condition to the pilot via radio communication or hand signals.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:10 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206 L4
Tail NumberN73AW
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAirwest Helicopters
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C30P · Turboshaft · 490
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point7 C
Altimeter30.35 inHg
Observation Time22:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data