On July 21, 1995, a Bell 206B-3 (registration N58129) was involved in an aviation accident near Bettles, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to jettison the external load due to the sling cable becoming wrapped around the right skid, which necessitated landing on the cargo. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter pilot attempted to jettison an external load when the sling cable became stuck around the right skid, forcing a landing directly onto the cargo.
What happened
The pilot was operating a helicopter during a lift operation involving an external load. As the aircraft increased its hover height, the sling cable connecting the helicopter to the cargo became taut. The pilot attempted to jettison the load to resolve the situation, but the release mechanism failed to disengage the cable.
With the cable remaining wrapped around the aft part of the right skid and unable to be released, the pilot made the decision to land the helicopter directly onto the external load.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to jettison the external load due to the sling cable becoming wrapped around the right skid, which necessitated landing on the cargo.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 21 Jul 1995 Bell 206B-3 accident near Bettles, AK?
A helicopter pilot attempted to jettison an external load when the sling cable became stuck around the right skid, forcing a landing directly onto the cargo.
Were there any fatalities in the 21 Jul 1995 Bell 206B-3 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Jul 1995 involved a Bell 206B-3, registration N58129, at Bettles, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to jettison the external load due to the sling cable becoming wrapped around the right skid, which necessitated landing on the cargo.
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