On July 22, 1991, a Bell 206B (registration N276KA) operated by Intermountain Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Toutle, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during a sight-seeing maneuver, which resulted in a collision with the terrain. 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.
A helicopter crashed into a dry riverbed while the pilot attempted to view a herd of elk. The aircraft continued its right turn, accelerating until impact occurred.
What happened
During a local sight-seeing flight, the pilot initiated a right descending turn to get a better view of a herd of elk located near a dry river bed. According to the passengers on board, the initial phase of the maneuver proceeded normally. However, the helicopter did not level out as expected but instead continued its rotation. This turning motion accelerated with each successive pass until the aircraft collided directly into the dry river bed.
The investigation
The investigation relied heavily on passenger testimony regarding the flight dynamics leading up to the crash. Witnesses confirmed that the pilot's intention was to observe wildlife, which necessitated a specific flight path and maneuvering pattern near the terrain feature.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during a sight-seeing maneuver, which resulted in a collision with the terrain.
What happened in the 22 Jul 1991 Bell 206B accident near Toutle, WA?
A helicopter crashed into a dry riverbed while the pilot attempted to view a herd of elk. The aircraft continued its right turn, accelerating until impact occurred.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Jul 1991 involved a Bell 206B, registration N276KA, operated by Intermountain Air Service, at Toutle, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter during a sight-seeing maneuver, which resulted in a collision with the terrain.
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