ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 355761
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| Date: | Thursday 12 June 1997 |
| Time: | 15:18 LT |
| Type: |  Bell 206L-3 |
| Owner/operator: | Delta Bravo Sierra Corp. |
| Registration: | N207DS |
| MSN: | 51253 |
| Year of manufacture: | 1988 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 1692 hours |
| Engine model: | Allison 250-C30P |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 5 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Weston, CO -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.) |
| Nature: | Unknown |
| Departure airport: | Trinidad, CO (KTAD) |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The pilot said he crested a ridge and descended into the next valley following the terrain downhill. The wind felt like it was calm. As he approach the far side of the valley, the pilot realized he was going to have to make a 360 degree climbing turn in order to clear the ridge. Reportedly, after completing about 90 degrees of the turn, the helicopter was hit by a gust of wind from the rear, causing a 'significant decrease in apparent airspeed,' and the helicopter settled toward the trees. The pilot said he had to decide whether to attempt completing the turn and risk striking a tree with ground speed, or attempt a touchdown with zero airspeed. He chose the latter. The helicopter settled into trees and rolled over.
Probable Cause: the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision and failure to maintain adequate altitude and/or clearance from rising mountainous/hilly terrain. The unfavorable wind condition and low airspeed were related factors.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB FTW97LA217
History of this aircraft
Other occurrences involving this aircraft
| 26 July 2003 | N6184D | Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fort Apache Indian Res | 2 | Whiteriver, AZ | |
w/o |
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 12-Mar-2024 15:19 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
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