Pilot Debrief

BELL 206B-III near Flora, IN — 2012-05-09

Final reportCEN12LA282
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Date
2012-05-09
Location
Flora, IN, USA
Aircraft
BELL 206B-III
Registration
N1069Z
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot allowed the helicopter to settle with power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot approached the field he intended to spray from the northeast at a 45-degree angle. He made a gradual climbing left turn to align the helicopter for a spray run to the east, climbing to an altitude of about 100 feet above ground level and slowing to about 40 mph. The wind was from about 300 degrees at 10 mph. As he made the turn, the wind became a tailwind. The helicopter began to descend and settle with power. The pilot maintained a level attitude while attempting to gain airspeed. The helicopter impacted the ground in a level attitude on an easterly heading. The main rotor blades flexed down and severed the tail boom. The helicopter nosed over and came to rest on its right side facing west.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided the turn that led to vortex ring state.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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