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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Strikes Wires During Turnaround Attempt in Low Visibility (N49651)

Athens, OH, US

On August 7, 1990, a Bell 206 (registration N49651) operated by Helicopter Elite Service,inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Athens, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO VISUALLY ACQUIRE AND MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE POWERLINE(S). CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. 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

A helicopter struck wires while attempting to turn around due to low visibility; the pilot executed an autorotation after the tail rotor hit wires, resulting in a ground contact.

Incident Overview

During flight, the pilot encountered weather conditions that reduced visibility to less than 1 mile. The pilot stated that due to reduced ground clearance and low visibility, he decided to turn around and return to better weather conditions.

Sequence of Events

Moments after making the decision to turn around, the skid of the helicopter struck a wire. The impact caused the helicopter to turn to the right, and the tail rotor subsequently struck the wire(s). After the tail rotor strike, the pilot reduced power and entered an autorotation.

Final Descent

The helicopter made approximately two and three-quarter turns during the autorotation before contacting the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Aug 1990 Bell 206 accident near Athens, OH?

A helicopter struck wires while attempting to turn around due to low visibility; the pilot executed an autorotation after the tail rotor hit wires, resulting in a ground contact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Aug 1990 involved a Bell 206, registration N49651, operated by Helicopter Elite Service,inc., at Athens, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO VISUALLY ACQUIRE AND MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE POWERLINE(S). CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24106. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.