Casualties unknown

1983-05-20: Bell 47G-3B-1 (N1129W) — Montrose, CO

Montrose, CO, US

On May 20, 1983, a Bell 47G-3B-1 (registration N1129W) was involved in an aviation accident near Montrose, CO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported making several landings while following a road up a mountain due to worsening visibility. On the fifth attempt, visibility was about half a mile and the ceiling suddenly dropped. Wreckage was found next to cut and broken oak brush trees.

Weather Conditions

Weather at the departure point was visual meteorological conditions (VMC), but the surrounding mountains were partially obscured.

Pilot Actions

The pilot stated that he was following a road up the mountain and landed each time as visibility deteriorated. Whenever the cloud lifted, he would lift off and again land as visibility worsened.

Accident Sequence

During the fifth trip up the road, visibility was about half a mile. The pilot reported that the first switchback was not landable, but the second one appeared to be. About halfway to the second switchback, the ceiling plummeted down. The road closed in behind him, and he started losing sight of the next switchback.

Evidence

Oak brush trees on the hillside bore evidence of being cut and broken next to the wreckage.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42955. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.