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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

July 11, 2024 · Bell 407 · N21BH

Stanley, ID

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 11, 2024
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Stanley, ID
Aircraft
Bell 407 (1998)
Tail Number
N21BH
Operator
Brainerd Helicopter Services
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR24LA247

The pilot stated that he was conducting firefighting operations in a helicopter equipped with a 50-foot long-line and a 120-gallon Bambi bucket. Earlier in the day he performed 29 water pickups and returned to a nearby helibase to refuel. The pilot went back to the lake where he had performed the previous fills and completed 13 water pickups noting that the wind was increasing. He went to perform the 14th water pickup and entered a left downwind approach to the lake as he had done all day. On final approach, the helicopter encountered a wind shift, which resulted in a rapid rate of descent. The pilot attempted to arrest the descent by raising the collective which led to a settling with power event. The bucket impacted the water that resulted in a dynamic rollover and the helicopter nosed-in to the lake. The pilot stated that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

A sudden wind shift which resulted in a rapid descent and subsequent dynamic rollover and collision into water.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that he was conducting firefighting operations in a helicopter equipped with a 50-foot long-line and a 120-gallon Bambi bucket. Earlier in the day he performed 29 water pickups and returned to a nearby helibase to refuel. The pilot went back to the lake where he had performed the previous fills and completed 13 water pickups noting that the wind was increasing. He went to perform the 14th water pickup and entered a left downwind approach to the lake as he had done all day. On final approach, the helicopter encountered a wind shift, which resulted in a rapid rate of descent. The pilot attempted to arrest the descent by raising the collective which led to a settling with power event. The bucket impacted the water that resulted in a dynamic rollover and the helicopter nosed-in to the lake. The pilot stated that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:05 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 407
Tail NumberN21BH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBrainerd Helicopter Services
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250-C47B · Turboshaft · 650
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 8 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 F
Altimeter30.23 inHg
Observation Time16:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data