Bell 206BIII N185BC

Summary

On 19 January 2007 at about 20:00 local time, a Bell 206BIII registered N185BC was involved in an accident near Springville, California, United States. 3 people were on board and 3 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

19 January 2007 at 20:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Springville, California, United States

Nearest airport

Porterville Airport (KPTV)

Coordinates

36.1758, -118.8125

Aircraft

Bell 206BIII

Registration

N185BC

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Porterville → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX07CA072

3 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain/obstacle clearance while maneuvering. Factors were the mountainous terrain, trees, and low-altitude flight maneuvers.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The helicopter collided with trees and terrain while maneuvering at low altitude in mountainous terrain. The pilot reported that he and two observation crewmembers were flying a mission for a state agency involving the aerial capture and radio collaring of deer in mountainous terrain, where the helicopter was required to be flown slightly above the tree tops. While they were looking for animals, the pilot flew toward the steep side of a north facing ridge and started flying a grid search pattern. At midslope, on an easterly heading, the pilot turned right facing upslope and into the sun. After completing the turn he maneuvered the helicopter into the shadow of the ridge, and then realized that there was not enough room to maneuver due to the proximity of the tree tops. The pilot attempted to slow the helicopter before the nose and main rotor contacted the trees. The helicopter came to rest on its right side, facing uphill. The main rotor hub and blades were located approximately 12 feet in front and to the right of the helicopter.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.