McDonnell Douglas MD-900 N977LF

Summary

On 30 November 1998 at about 00:56 local time, a McDonnell Douglas MD-900 registered N977LF, operated by Idaho Helicopters, Inc., was involved in an accident near Idaho City, Idaho, United States. 4 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

30 November 1998 at 00:56

Classification

Accident

Location

Idaho City, Idaho, United States

Coordinates

43.8692, -115.6404

Aircraft

McDonnell Douglas MD-900

Registration

N977LF

Category

Helicopter

Engines

2

Operator

Idaho Helicopters, Inc.

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Boise

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Dusk

NTSB number

SEA99LA016

Nobody was injured.

The pilot-in-command's not obtaining/maintaining clearance with the unmarked transmission lines. Contributing factors were environmental (dusk) conditions, the transmission lines, and both the pilot-in-command and the ground personnel not identifying the existence of the hazardous condition (high wires).

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The McDonnell Douglas MD-900 medevac helicopter was dispatched to a car accident at a site characterized by high terrain and high trees. Prior to landing, the pilot requested information about wires and was advised by ground personnel that 'there were none.' Subsequent to landing, the pilot examined the landing site and proposed departure route for wires, and reportedly observed none. The departure from the site was conducted under dusk to dark night conditions. While climbing out vertically due to the narrow canyon conditions at the site, the helicopter struck unmarked transmission lines approximately 150 feet above ground. The pilot then determined that the helicopter was controllable and displayed no unusual flight characteristics, and chose to proceed to his destination. Post-flight examination revealed crazing of the windscreen and damage to four of the five main rotor blades requiring major repair/replacement.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.