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Helicopter Destroyed by Fire During Hover Near Crash Site (N955B)

Aguadilla, PR, US

On May 11, 1991, a Bell 47-G (registration N955B) operated by Esteves, Arturo was involved in an aviation accident near Aguadilla, PR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE IMPROPER IN FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO CONDUCT AN OUT-OF-GROUND-EFFECT HOVER WITH A RIGHT CROSSWIND. THIS RESULTED IN AN IN FLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO SETTLING WITH POWER AND IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

NTSB and Coast Guard observers saw a helicopter hover with a right crosswind, then descend backwards with a slow left turn before colliding with terrain and burning. The pilot and two passengers were uninjured.

Observation

An NTSB investigator and a U.S. Coast Guard pilot observed a helicopter conducting an out-of-ground-effect hover with a right crosswind in the vicinity of a previous crash site. The helicopter was seen to move backwards while descending with a slow left turn. Witnesses heard the engine RPM increase as the helicopter descended and subsequently collided with terrain. The helicopter was destroyed by fire.

Pilot's Account

During an interview, the commercial pilot stated that he encountered settling with power. He further stated that he was unable to increase the throttle. However, this claim was not substantiated by eyewitnesses, who reported hearing an increase in engine RPM prior to the collision with terrain.

Occupants and Damage

The commercial pilot and two passengers were not injured. The helicopter was destroyed by the post-impact fire.

Investigation

The NTSB is investigating the accident. The helicopter was observed by agency personnel at the scene.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 May 1991 Bell 47-G accident near Aguadilla, PR?

NTSB and Coast Guard observers saw a helicopter hover with a right crosswind, then descend backwards with a slow left turn before colliding with terrain and burning. The pilot and two passengers were uninjured.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 May 1991 Bell 47-G accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 May 1991 involved a Bell 47-G, registration N955B, operated by Esteves, Arturo, at Aguadilla, PR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE IMPROPER IN FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO CONDUCT AN OUT-OF-GROUND-EFFECT HOVER WITH A RIGHT CROSSWIND. THIS RESULTED IN AN IN FLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO SETTLING WITH POWER AND IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17071. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.