On September 9, 1985, a Mbb BK-117A-1 (registration N117SR) operated by Wackenhut Services, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Aiken, SC. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter maneuvering at low altitude into rising terrain descended slightly, banked steeply, and contacted trees, then yawed and struck the ground backward at a 35-degree descent angle. All seven occupants exited through the right doors.
Accident Description
A helicopter was being maneuvered at low altitude and into rising terrain while performing a racetrack pattern. During the third right turn of the pattern, witnesses observed the aircraft descend slightly, roll into a bank of 45 degrees or greater, and contact trees. Following the tree contact, the helicopter began a yawing rotation to the right and struck the ground at approximately a 35-degree angle of descent while traveling backward.
Occupant Egress
All seven occupants successfully exited the aircraft through the right doors after the accident.
Operational Context
The flight was a single-pilot operation. The investigation noted that task load and mission pressures were high at the time of the accident.