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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Spins During Hover Approach and Rolls Over After Engine Shutdown (N38Q)

Mead, CO, US

On May 16, 1993, a Bell 206L-1 (registration N38Q) operated by Helicopters Adventures, Int'l was involved in an aviation accident near Mead, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A FAILURE BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO COMPENSATE FOR WIND CONDITIONS AND MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER. A FACTOR WAS: UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS. 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

At the end of a 20-minute flight with seven people aboard, a helicopter began spinning right during a hover approach after a reported wind shift. The pilot shut down the engine in a 5-foot hover; upon ground contact, a skid cross tube failed and the helicopter rolled onto its side.

Flight Details

A cross-country flight lasting 20 minutes was completed with seven persons on board. The helicopter's gross weight was less than 50 pounds below its maximum allowable weight.

Accident Sequence

As the pilot conducted an approach to a hover, the wind reportedly shifted, causing the helicopter to begin spinning to the right despite full left pedal application. After several rotations, the pilot secured the engine while the helicopter was in a five-foot hovering right turn. Upon ground contact, a skid cross tube failed due to overload, and the helicopter rolled onto its side.

Damage

The skid cross tube failed in overload, and the helicopter sustained a rollover onto its side.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 May 1993 Bell 206L-1 accident near Mead, CO?

At the end of a 20-minute flight with seven people aboard, a helicopter began spinning right during a hover approach after a reported wind shift. The pilot shut down the engine in a 5-foot hover; upon ground contact, a skid cross tube failed and the helicopter rolled onto its side.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 May 1993 involved a Bell 206L-1, registration N38Q, operated by Helicopters Adventures, Int'l, at Mead, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A FAILURE BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO COMPENSATE FOR WIND CONDITIONS AND MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER. A FACTOR WAS: UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12377. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.