Casualties unknown

1986-01-27: Bell 206L-1 (N5019K) — Minuteman Aviation — Missoula, MT

Missoula, MT, US

On January 27, 1986, a Bell 206L-1 (registration N5019K) operated by Minuteman Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Missoula, MT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A helicopter equipped with landing skid snow pads struck bolts on a concrete curb during takeoff, causing a right roll, tail rotor strike, and loss of anti-torque control before impacting the helipad.

Incident Overview

A helicopter equipped with landing skid snow pads was parked on a narrow ramp extension to a roof top helipad. The helipad was surrounded by a concrete curb. During the takeoff to a hover, the right snow pad struck bolts protruding from the top of the curb on the right side of the helicopter. The snow pad became momentarily caught on the bolts, resulting in a right rolling action of the helicopter.

Sequence of Events

The lift forces generated by the helicopter during the hover bent the snow pad, causing it to suddenly disengage from the bolts. At that moment, the aircraft accelerated toward a nearby building. The pilot attempted to regain control to avoid impact with the building. During this maneuver, the tail rotor struck the rooftop, leading to a loss of anti-torque control. The helicopter then spun to the right until it impacted on the helipad.

Aircraft and Equipment

The helicopter was equipped with landing skid snow pads. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or operator were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010110X00152. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.