BELL 206L-3 near Amistad, NM — 2013-09-07

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to arrest the descent following an abrupt maneuver to avoid birds, which resulted in an impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the helicopter was established in cruise flight on a west-southwest course at 300 feet above ground level before the accident. The pilot stated that about 25 minutes into the flight, he observed "multiple large black birds" in the helicopter's flightpath and initiated an "immediate hard turn to the right to avoid" them. He subsequently noted an increase in main rotor speed and adjusted accordingly. The pilot rolled out on a reciprocal heading, leveled the helicopter, and began to slow down. He noticed that the descent rate was not decreasing. The helicopter touched down "hard," seemed to bounce and came to rest about 100 yards from the initial touchdown point. The pilot reported no preaccident failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have avoided the birds without initiating a hard turn.

NTSB coding

• Abrupt maneuver · Maneuvering

Evidence available

• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Passenger Statementinterview

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