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Helicopter Damage After Snowpad Skid Breaks Through Snow (N2277T)

Dillon, MT, US

On February 24, 1995, a Bell 206 (registration N2277T) operated by Carisch, Mike G. was involved in an aviation accident near Dillon, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF A LANDING SITE THAT WAS NOT SUITABLE TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE HELICOPTER. FACTORS INCLUDE TERRAIN COVERED WITH SOFT SNOW. 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 landed at a remote snow-survey site. After testing the snow's support by moving the cyclic in a circle, the pilot shut down the engine. As the rotor decelerated, a snowpad-equipped skid broke through the snow, causing the tail rotor to strike the snow and then the tail boom, resulting in substantial damage.

Incident Details

A helicopter landed at a remote snow-survey site. The pilot moved the cyclic in a circle to test whether the snow would support the weight of the helicopter. Sensing that the snow was firm enough, the pilot elected to shut down the engine.

Sequence of Events

After the engine was shut off and the rotor was decelerating, one of the snowpad-equipped skids broke through the snow. As the skid broke through, the tail rotor impacted the snow and then contacted the tail boom.

Damage

Substantial damage was sustained to the tail boom and tail rotor.

Additional Information

No other details about the aircraft, operator, or location are specified in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Feb 1995 Bell 206 accident near Dillon, MT?

A helicopter landed at a remote snow-survey site. After testing the snow's support by moving the cyclic in a circle, the pilot shut down the engine. As the rotor decelerated, a snowpad-equipped skid broke through the snow, causing the tail rotor to strike the snow and then the tail boom, resulting in substantial…

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Feb 1995 Bell 206 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Feb 1995 involved a Bell 206, registration N2277T, operated by Carisch, Mike G., at Dillon, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF A LANDING SITE THAT WAS NOT SUITABLE TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE HELICOPTER. FACTORS INCLUDE TERRAIN COVERED WITH SOFT SNOW.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03037. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.