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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Accident During Hover Attempt in Mountainous Terrain (N1959G)

Kremmling, CO, US

On October 10, 1985, a Bell BH 206BII (registration N1959G) operated by Phillip J. Spano, Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Kremmling, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's attempt to exceed the aircraft's hover-out-of-ground-effect capability in the existing conditions of altitude, gross weight, and tailwind, resulting in a loss of control. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While maneuvering to observe wildlife, the pilot attempted to hover out of ground effect in steep mountainous terrain at 9,800 ft MSL with a tailwind, exceeding the aircraft's hover-out-of-ground-effect capability, resulting in a right spin and uncontrolled descent into trees.

Accident Overview

A helicopter accident occurred while the pilot was maneuvering to observe wildlife. The pilot attempted to hover out of ground effect in steep mountainous terrain at an elevation of 9,800 feet above mean sea level. The gross weight of the aircraft at the time was 2,550 pounds, and there was a tailwind of 7 to 10 knots.

Aircraft Capability and Maneuver

According to the hover-out-of-ground-effect (HOGE) charts in the Pilot's Operating Handbook, the aircraft was not capable of performing a HOGE in the existing conditions of altitude, gross weight, and tailwind at the accident site. The attempt to exceed the aircraft's capabilities resulted in a right spin from which the pilot was not able to recover due to low altitude above ground level. The aircraft then descended out of control until it impacted trees.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to exceed the aircraft's hover-out-of-ground-effect capability in the existing conditions of altitude, gross weight, and tailwind, resulting in a loss of control.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Oct 1985 Bell BH 206BII accident near Kremmling, CO?

While maneuvering to observe wildlife, the pilot attempted to hover out of ground effect in steep mountainous terrain at 9,800 ft MSL with a tailwind, exceeding the aircraft's hover-out-of-ground-effect capability, resulting in a right spin and uncontrolled descent into trees.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Oct 1985 involved a Bell BH 206BII, registration N1959G, operated by Phillip J. Spano, Jr., at Kremmling, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to exceed the aircraft's hover-out-of-ground-effect capability in the existing conditions of altitude, gross weight, and tailwind, resulting in a loss of control.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38005. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.