Casualties unknown

Helicopter Damaged After Longline Cable Snags Stump During Landing (N21424)

Elf Point Camp, AK, US

On November 10, 1992, a Bell 206B III (registration N21424) operated by Rmh Aerologging, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Elf Point Camp, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT MISJUDGED CLEARANCE AND DRAGGED AN EXTERNAL LOAD LONGLINE CABLE WHILE LANDING. 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 dragging a longline cable snagged a stump during approach, causing it to collide with the ground. The landing skid mounting structure and tail rotor were damaged. The company did not notify the FAA or NTSB before transporting the helicopter by vessel for repair.

Accident Details

A helicopter dragging a longline cable snagged a stump with the cable during an approach to a landing site. The helicopter subsequently collided with the ground, damaging the landing skid mounting structure and striking the tail rotor.

Reporting and Investigation

The company did not notify the FAA or NTSB before transporting the helicopter by vessel for repair. Company management told the NTSB that they determined the incident was not reportable because of limited damage. However, manufacturer's representatives and FAA airworthiness inspectors confirmed that the damage was substantial.

Company Response

Company management told the NTSB that it was simply a case of dragging a longline while landing, noting that such events occur in the logging business.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Nov 1992 Bell 206B III accident near Elf Point Camp, AK?

A helicopter dragging a longline cable snagged a stump during approach, causing it to collide with the ground. The landing skid mounting structure and tail rotor were damaged. The company did not notify the FAA or NTSB before transporting the helicopter by vessel for repair.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Nov 1992 involved a Bell 206B III, registration N21424, operated by Rmh Aerologging, Inc, at Elf Point Camp, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT MISJUDGED CLEARANCE AND DRAGGED AN EXTERNAL LOAD LONGLINE CABLE WHILE LANDING.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15977. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.