Casualties unknown

1988-10-13: Bell 47G-3B2 (N46073) — Bureau OF Land Management — Cottonwood Canyon, NV

Cottonwood Canyon, NV, US

On October 13, 1988, a Bell 47G-3B2 (registration N46073) operated by Bureau OF Land Management was involved in an aviation accident near Cottonwood Canyon, NV. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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 monitoring horse health was damaged after settling vertically during the third landing attempt, with wind gusting to 15 knots.

Incident Details

A helicopter engaged in a flight to monitor the health of horses was damaged during an attempted landing. The pilot was trying to land at a suitable landing site. On the third attempt, during final approach, the helicopter's airspeed was approximately 5 mph and its altitude was about 15 feet above ground level. At that point, the helicopter began turning to the right.

Pilot Response and Outcome

The pilot attempted to correct the right turn, but the helicopter experienced a 'settled-in vertically' descent. The vertical descent occurred with sufficient force to damage the helicopter.

Wind Conditions

At the time of the incident, the wind was reported from 180 to 225 degrees at 5 knots, gusting to 15 knots.

Damage

The helicopter sustained damage as a result of the hard vertical landing.

(Note: The report does not specify the helicopter type, registration, operator, location, date, time of day, or any injuries. No analysis or causes are stated beyond the description of the event.)

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27178. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.