On June 9, 1984, a Bell 212 (registration N1082G) was involved in an aviation accident near Milton, LA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter pilot who drank at two bars took the aircraft without authorization, flying with two passengers he met at a bar. After an unusual yaw oscillation, the helicopter crashed in a plowed field, collapsing a skid and rolling over. No mechanical failures were found.
Accident Details
A helicopter pilot consumed alcohol at two different bars before an unauthorized flight. The pilot took the helicopter without permission and departed with two passengers whom he had met in a bar. During the flight, the pilot reported experiencing an unusual oscillation in the yaw axis, which was immediately followed by the helicopter "tucking" and then entering a descending right turn. The pilot took corrective action, but the aircraft subsequently touched down hard in a plowed field. One of the skids collapsed and the helicopter rolled over.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the helicopter revealed no evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have prevented normal operation. A breathalyzer test conducted on the pilot showed an ethyl alcohol concentration of 0.13%.