Pilot Debrief

BELL 206 near Wells, NV — 2010-07-19

Final reportWPR10LA359
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Date
2010-07-19
Location
Wells, NV, USA
Airport
EKO
Aircraft
BELL 206
Registration
N3185A
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering after departure from mountainous terrain.

NTSB narrative

At the conclusion of a mountain rescue flight, the pilot was returning to the rescue site on a ridge to pick up the remaining rescuer. After the rescuer boarded and was secure, the pilot lifted off the ridge and made a right turn, traveling down the canyon slope in a manner similar to the previous flight that day. However, during this departure, the nose of the helicopter had a greater downward pitch angle than on the previous takeoff. The pilot introduced aft cyclic and brought the nose up, but the rate of descent increased rapidly as the pilot continued to increase collective and aft cyclic. The helicopter subsequently collided with the top of a ridge crest and bounced back into the air. The pilot was able to maintain control as the helicopter settled to the ground. Just before touchdown, the pilot heard the low rotor horn sound, and he increased the remaining collective as the helicopter settled into the trees. The helicopter subsequently rolled over onto its left side. After departing the helicopter, the pilot realized that the engine was still running, and he returned to shut it down. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when nose tuck was noted.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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