On February 3, 1982, a Bell 206L-1 (registration N2777B) operated by Evergreen Helicopter Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Indianapolis, IN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter lost engine power during a night flight while en route to obtain fuel. The pilot performed an autorotative descent and landed on an interstate highway. During the ground slide, the main rotor struck a sign pole.
Sequence of Events
During a night flight, the helicopter's engine lost power while en route to obtain fuel. The pilot immediately noted the low rotor RPM audio warning and warning light. He entered an autorotative descent and turned to land on an interstate highway. As he began to decelerate for landing, power lines became visible in his flight path. The pilot lowered the nose to dive under the lines, then flared and touched down at an estimated speed of 25 to 30 mph.
Ground Slide and Impact
After touchdown, the helicopter slid along the ground. During the latter portion of the slide, the main rotor struck a pole supporting an overhead sign and a speed limit sign.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the engine did not reveal any pre-accident engine failures.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Feb 1982 Bell 206L-1 accident near Indianapolis, IN?
A helicopter lost engine power during a night flight while en route to obtain fuel. The pilot performed an autorotative descent and landed on an interstate highway. During the ground slide, the main rotor struck a sign pole.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Feb 1982 involved a Bell 206L-1, registration N2777B, operated by Evergreen Helicopter Inc., at Indianapolis, IN.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…