Bell 206L-1 N2233F

Summary

On 14 October 2000 at about 19:27 local time, a Bell 206L-1 registered N2233F, operated by Classic Lifeguard Aeromedical, was involved in an accident near Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States. 4 people were on board and 4 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

14 October 2000 at 19:27

Classification

Accident

Location

Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States

Coordinates

36.8601, -112.8394

Aircraft

Bell 206L-1

Registration

N2233F

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Classic Lifeguard Aeromedical

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → St George

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX01LA013

4 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's in-flight loss of control during liftoff due to his improper planning and decisions. Related factors were the high density altitude and helicopter weight condition, and the lack of a suitable takeoff area.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

During the aeromedical evacuation of a seriously injured patient, the helicopter pilot attempted to takeoff from a clearing surrounded by trees and high elevation terrain. Also on board the helicopter were a paramedic and a flight nurse. The crewmembers indicated that no tree branches were closer than 8 to 20 feet from the helicopter as it gained between 80 and 100 feet above the terrain. As the pilot turned into the light wind, the tail rotor lost effectiveness and the helicopter started yawing uncontrollably in a clockwise direction. Due to the lack of climb performance in the high density altitude (approximately 8,850 feet) and heavy weight condition, the pilot made a forced landing in the underlying terrain during which it impacted trees.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.