On November 2, 1996, a Bell 206L-3 (registration N937R) was involved in an aviation accident near Mancos, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from the windsock, during a hover/pedal-turn after lift-off. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter's tail rotor struck a windsock during a pedal turn at a hover, prompting the pilot to perform a hovering autorotation and land without further incident.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that while operating a helicopter from a 15 by 30 foot landing area, the aircraft was facing west with a south wind of about 5 to 10 knots. The pilot lifted the helicopter into a 5-foot hover and then executed a left pedal turn to orient the helicopter into the wind. During the turn, a loud noise was heard and a vibration was felt through the pedals.
Response and Inspection
In response, the pilot performed a hovering autorotation, landed the helicopter, and shut down the engine. Subsequent inspection revealed that the tail rotor had struck a nearby windsock.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2 Nov 1996 Bell 206L-3 accident near Mancos, CO?
A helicopter's tail rotor struck a windsock during a pedal turn at a hover, prompting the pilot to perform a hovering autorotation and land without further incident.
Were there any fatalities in the 2 Nov 1996 Bell 206L-3 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Nov 1996 involved a Bell 206L-3, registration N937R, at Mancos, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from the windsock, during a hover/pedal-turn after lift-off.
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