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Helicopter Settles into Trees During Firefighting, Destroyed in Subsequent Transport Incident (N91AL)

Pagosa Springs, CO, US

On June 18, 1996, a Bell 212 (registration N91AL) was involved in an aviation accident near Pagosa Springs, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to comply with performance data for hover out of ground effect. A factor was not attaining load jettison. 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 supporting forest fire fighting operations sustained substantial damage after settling into trees following an unsuccessful water jettison attempt. The pilot suffered minor injuries. The aircraft was later destroyed when dropped during transport.

Incident Overview

A helicopter engaged in forest fire fighting operations was conducting water drops. On its fifth drop of the flight, while proceeding upslope and downwind at near maximum gross weight for hover out of ground effect, the helicopter began to settle. The pilot attempted to jettison the water load and reverse course, but the jettisoning was unsuccessful. The helicopter subsequently settled into trees within the fire zone.

Injuries and Damage

The pilot sustained minor injuries. The helicopter received substantial damage from the impact and a post-impact fire.

Subsequent Transport Incident

While being transported to storage by another helicopter using a long line, the accident aircraft was dropped from approximately 700 feet. This resulted in total destruction of the aircraft.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06000. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.