Pilot Debrief

Bell 206 near Hill City, SD — 2019-09-12

Final reportCEN19LA318
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Date
2019-09-12
Location
Hill City, SD, USA
Aircraft
Bell 206
Registration
N100CK
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot descended the helicopter to land on a field in a bowl-shaped area with prevailing high winds. The pilot reported that the engine stopped producing power during the approach when the helicopter was too low to prevent a hard landing. The helicopter descended, spun, and landed hard, resulting in substantial damage. Examination of the airframe and test run of the engine did not reveal any anomalies which would have precluded normal operation of the helicopter. Testing of the engine could not replicate a loss of engine power. The helicopter was landing at high altitude, with strong winds. It could not be determined if these factors adversely impacted the helicopter’s power available during the landing leading to conditions consistent with a loss of engine performance. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined because an examination and engine runs did not reveal any anomalies.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the approach due to high winds and engine performance concerns.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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