Pilot Debrief

Bell 206L near Nikolai, AK — 2008-03-04

Final reportANC08LA040
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Date
2008-03-04
Location
Nikolai, AK, USA
Aircraft
Bell 206L
Registration
N404EH
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and an inadvertent loss of tail rotor effectiveness while maneuvering. A factor contributing to the accident was wind gusts.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was maneuvering the helicopter while his passenger filmed a dogsled race. The pilot reported that he was flying along slowly, and a gust of wind caused a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. He said the helicopter started to turn to the right, and he reduced collective pitch and followed the turn to regain control. During the maneuver he said he was losing altitude and approaching terrain. He said a second gust caused a further loss of tail rotor effectiveness, and as the helicopter rotated the tail rotor struck a tree, and the helicopter impacted the ground. He said there were no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the helicopter prior to the accident. The helicopter was not examined by the NTSB.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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