On January 24, 1993, a Bell 206B3 (registration N39088) operated by South Coast Helicopters was involved in an aviation accident near Brigham City, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE LOCATION OF UNMARKED ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION WIRES OVER A DESIGNATED AIRPORT TAXIWAY. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPECTANCY TO ENCOUNTER WIRES ABOVE AN ARPT TAXIWAY, AND HIS DIVERTED ATTENTION DUE TO THE CLOSE PROXIMITY OF… 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.
A helicopter struck unmarked electrical power lines while hover taxiing to a private hangar, then impacted the taxiway in an uncontrolled descent and rolled over. The airport ramp and taxiway were covered with loose dry snow, and weather included dark overcast skies and limited visibility.
Incident Details
The pilot landed the helicopter on the airport ramp intending to refuel. Upon arrival, the public fuel service facility was found to be non-operational. The pilot arranged to purchase fuel from a private operator. While hover taxiing approximately 400 feet from the ramp to a private hangar, the aircraft struck unmarked electrical power lines situated 30 feet above a designated taxiway. The impact caused the helicopter to enter an uncontrolled descent, striking the taxiway and rolling over.
Weather and Environment
The taxiway, located beside a hangar, and the ramp were covered with loose dry snow. Weather conditions at the time included dark overcast skies and limited visibility.
What happened in the 24 Jan 1993 Bell 206B3 accident near Brigham City, UT?
A helicopter struck unmarked electrical power lines while hover taxiing to a private hangar, then impacted the taxiway in an uncontrolled descent and rolled over. The airport ramp and taxiway were covered with loose dry snow, and weather included dark overcast skies and limited visibility.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Jan 1993 involved a Bell 206B3, registration N39088, operated by South Coast Helicopters, at Brigham City, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE LOCATION OF UNMARKED ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION WIRES OVER A DESIGNATED AIRPORT TAXIWAY. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPECTANCY TO ENCOUNTER WIRES ABOVE AN ARPT TAXIWAY, AND HIS DIVERTED ATTENTION DUE TO THE CLOSE PROXIMITY OF THE TAXIWAY TO BUILDINGS AND THE LOOSE DRY SNOW ON THE…
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