Helicopter Missing for Six Months Found in Wisconsin Woods (N2991W)

Q: What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-03-22 involved a Bell 47G-5A, registration N2991W, operated by Ruterbories, Caryl J., at Wisconsin Rpds, WI.

On March 22, 1994, a Bell 47G-5A (registration N2991W) operated by Ruterbories, Caryl J. was involved in an aviation accident near Wisconsin Rpds, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Undetermined. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A helicopter departed Wisconsin Rapids on March 22, 1994, in VFR conditions, but never arrived in Mason City, Iowa. The wreckage was discovered by hunters on September 17, 1994, about 12 miles west of the departure airport. No mechanical or pilot anomalies were found.

Departure and Disappearance

On March 22, 1994, a helicopter departed Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, under visual flight rules (VFR). Its intended destination was Mason City, Iowa. However, the helicopter did not arrive at that destination.

Search and Discovery

A search for the missing helicopter was initiated on March 24, 1994. The wreckage was eventually found by hunters on September 17, 1994, in a wooded area approximately 12 miles west of the departure airport.

Examination of Wreckage

An examination of the wreckage did not identify any mechanical anomalies in the engine or airframe. The post-mortem examination of the pilot also failed to reveal any pre-existing anomalies.

Conclusion

The investigation did not determine a probable cause for the accident, as no mechanical or physiological issues were identified.

1994-03-22: Bell 47G-5A (N2991W) — Ruterbories, Caryl J. — Wisconsin Rpds, WI