Bell 206B N828BA

Summary

On 23 March 2007 at about 19:55 local time, a Bell 206B registered N828BA was involved in an accident near Lewes, Delaware, United States. 4 people were on board and 2 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

23 March 2007 at 19:55

Classification

Accident

Location

Lewes, Delaware, United States

Coordinates

38.7667, -75.1333

Aircraft

Bell 206B

Registration

N828BA

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Lewes → Manassas

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC07CA084

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in an in flight collision with utility wires during takeoff, and a subsequent impact with terrain.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of a Bell 206B helicopter was picking up three passengers at a housing construction site, and taking them to an airport. After the third passenger boarded, the pilot hovered the helicopter, and initiated a takeoff to the southwest over an approximate 300-foot grass area. About 50 feet agl, as the helicopter reached effective translational lift, the pilot lowered the collective and immediately saw a wire stretch across the windscreen and ride upward. The helicopter subsequently impacted the field, rolled left, and came to rest on its left side. During the impact, the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.