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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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June 15, 2021 · Bell UH-1H · N398M

Townsend, MT

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 15, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Townsend, MT
Aircraft
Bell UH-1H (1965)
Tail Number
N398M
Operator
Usda Forest Service Fepp
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
WPR21LA236

The pilot reported that, during the approach to the landing area, he made visual contact with the airport manager who cleared him to land on the west end of the pull-off tarmac. The pilot noted evidence of wind from the blowing willows from south-west. He initiated a left downwind approach, and upon turning from base to final at 500 ft above ground level, the helicopter started to settle with power and the pilot experienced a nearly direct tailwind. Due to the approach speed and proximity to the ground, the pilot was unable to fly out, so he leveled the helicopter and committed to landing. The helicopter touched down hard, spun right about 120° and rolled left upside down. The helicopter was destroyed by impact forces and postaccident fire. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain helicopter control after an encounter with settling with power during approach at an altitude that was too low for recovery, which resulted in a hard landing.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during the approach to the landing area, he made visual contact with the airport manager who cleared him to land on the west end of the pull-off tarmac. The pilot noted evidence of wind from the blowing willows from south-west. He initiated a left downwind approach, and upon turning from base to final at 500 ft above ground level, the helicopter started to settle with power and the pilot experienced a nearly direct tailwind. Due to the approach speed and proximity to the ground, the pilot was unable to fly out, so he leveled the helicopter and committed to landing. The helicopter touched down hard, spun right about 120° and rolled left upside down. The helicopter was destroyed by impact forces and postaccident fire. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell UH-1H
Tail NumberN398M
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorUsda Forest Service Fepp
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsLycoming · T53-L-703 · Turboshaft · 1800
Seats8

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 57 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Minor
Crew 3Minor
Crew 4Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48 F
Altimeter29.84 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data