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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Observed Rotating and Descending Uncontrolled During Approach (N2205X)

Austin, TX, US

On April 23, 1993, a Bell 206B III (registration N2205X) was involved in an aviation accident near Austin, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AIRCRAFT CONTROL NOT MAINTAINED BY PILOT IN COMMAND. FACTORS WERE UNFAVORABLE WINDS AND PILOT'S LACK OF RECENT EXPERIENCE. 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

During an approach, a helicopter was seen rotating and climbing to about 400 feet before entering an uncontrolled descent and impacting terrain. Winds were gusty and exceeded 30 knots. The pilot had not flown that helicopter type in three years; the second pilot was fixed-wing rated only.

Incident Overview

During an approach to a field, witnesses observed a helicopter rotating and climbing to approximately 400 feet above ground level. The aircraft subsequently continued rotating in an uncontrolled descent until it impacted the terrain.

Weather and Flight Conditions

Witnesses described the winds as from the south, variable to the southeast, with gusts estimated in excess of 30 knots.

Pilot Information

According to witnesses, the pilot had not flown the type of helicopter involved in the incident in approximately three years. The second pilot was rated only in fixed-wing aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Apr 1993 Bell 206B III accident near Austin, TX?

During an approach, a helicopter was seen rotating and climbing to about 400 feet before entering an uncontrolled descent and impacting terrain. Winds were gusty and exceeded 30 knots. The pilot had not flown that helicopter type in three years; the second pilot was fixed-wing rated only.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Apr 1993 involved a Bell 206B III, registration N2205X, at Austin, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

AIRCRAFT CONTROL NOT MAINTAINED BY PILOT IN COMMAND. FACTORS WERE UNFAVORABLE WINDS AND PILOT'S LACK OF RECENT EXPERIENCE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12129. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.