Pilot Debrief

MCDONNELL DOUGLAS HELICOPTER 500 near Twin Falls, ID — 2026-05-14

Final reportWPR26LA188
Sign in to save
Date
2026-05-14
Location
Twin Falls, ID, USA
Airport
TWF
Aircraft
MCDONNELL DOUGLAS HELICOPTER 500
Registration
N952SF
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control while hovering in gusty wind conditions, resulting in the helicopter rolling onto its side.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated he was maneuvering the helicopter around and near the airport property. While practicing hovering, he was evaluating the left lateral cyclic trim control. The helicopter encountered wind and rolled, coming to rest on its left side. During the accident sequence, the main rotor blades severed the tail boom from the airframe. The pilot stated there were no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the wind was from 320° at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

Related mishaps