Bell 206B N2995W

Summary

On 15 September 2005 at about 23:30 local time, a Bell 206B registered N2995W was involved in an accident near Elk Point, South Dakota, United States. One person was 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

15 September 2005 at 23:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Elk Point, South Dakota, United States

Coordinates

42.6417, -96.6867

Aircraft

Bell 206B

Registration

N2995W

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 137: Agricultural

Purpose of flight

Aerial Application

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Elk Point → Elk Point

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI05CA271

Nobody was injured.

The loss of directional control for undetermined reasons which led to the pilot not being able to maintain clearance from the embankment during the forced landing. The rising embankment was a factor.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter was damaged during a forced landing following an uncommanded right rotation after takeoff. The pilot stated that he departed from the shoreline of a river into a 2 to 3 mile per hour wind. He stated that when the helicopter was about 100 feet in altitude, 100 yards from the shore, and indicating over 50 miles per hour, a slight right turn was initiated. He stated that full left pedal input would not stop the right turn. The pilot elected to return to the shore. He stated that as he approached a flat area, he felt that he would not be able to reach the intended landing area and attempted to turn back toward the river. He said that the left rear skid contacted the sloping ground and the helicopter slid down the slope and came to rest on its left side. Examination of the helicopter subsequent to the accident failed to reveal any anomalies. Continuity of the tail rotor drive and control systems was confirmed. A maintenance record entry dated one day prior to the accident indicated that the tailboom had been replaced. Determination of proper rigging of the tail rotor could not be determined due to bending of the tail rotor control push-pull tubes from impact forces. The pilot reported unlimited visibility, a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and south winds at 2 to 3 miles per hour.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.