FlightFinder
Check my flight
1 fatality

Helicopter Found on Snow-Covered Hill Three Days After Disappearance (N2157J)

Pellston, MI, US

On February 10, 1996, a Bell 206B-III (registration N2157J) was involved in an aviation accident near Pellston, MI. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: flight into known adverse weather conditions (fog) at too low an altitude by the pilot. Factors associated with this accident were inadequate preflight planning and an improper inflight decision by the pilot when he chose to continue flight into the fog… 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 was discovered on a wooded, snow-covered hill three days after it was reported missing. The pilot survived the crash but died due to cold exposure; no survival gear was present.

Disappearance and Discovery

The helicopter was declared missing on the day it departed from its home airport. Three days later, it was located atop a heavily wooded, snow-covered hill. According to the local coroner, the pilot survived the accident but succumbed to the cold weather. No cold weather survival gear was found at the accident scene.

Witness Observations

On the day the helicopter was reported missing, it was observed at an airport approximately 10 miles south-southwest of the accident site. A witness reported that the helicopter took off, departing north at an altitude between 300 and 400 feet above ground level. The same witness noted that visibility was 1 to 2 miles at that time.

Witnesses located about 1 mile west of the accident site reported hearing a metallic crashing sound. They stated that the tree tops to the east were obscured. An airport situated about 1 mile east of the accident site reported visibility of 3 miles with fog around the time the witnesses heard the collision sounds.

Aircraft Examination

An examination of the airframe, control system, and power plant revealed no anomalies that would have prevented flight. The helicopter was not equipped with an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT).

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Feb 1996 Bell 206B-III accident near Pellston, MI?

A helicopter was discovered on a wooded, snow-covered hill three days after it was reported missing. The pilot survived the crash but died due to cold exposure; no survival gear was present.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Feb 1996 Bell 206B-III accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Feb 1996 involved a Bell 206B-III, registration N2157J, at Pellston, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

flight into known adverse weather conditions (fog) at too low an altitude by the pilot. Factors associated with this accident were inadequate preflight planning and an improper inflight decision by the pilot when he chose to continue flight into the fog conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05222. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.