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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Impact with Terrain During Foggy Return Flight (N4758R)

Pendleton, OR, US

On December 10, 1996, a Bell 47G (registration N4758R) operated by Wildhorse Helicopters, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Pendleton, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command's attempt to conduct visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance with hilly terrain. A contributing factor in the accident was the presence of 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 restricted-category helicopter impacted hilly terrain during a return flight after the pilot reported being on top looking for a hole in the fog. The helicopter was destroyed and no preimpact mechanical malfunctions were found.

Accident Details

Two restricted-category helicopters, each operated by a commercial pilot, departed a controlled airport under visual flight rules (VFR) to conduct an agricultural spraying operation at a local ranch. Later that morning, weather conditions deteriorated as patchy fog moved into the area. Both pilots ceased the spraying operation and landed at the ranch.

Flight History

One pilot (the second pilot) secured his helicopter and boarded the other pilot's (the first pilot) helicopter, intending to return to the controlled airport. A dog was also on board. During the return flight, the first pilot contacted the airport control tower and reported that he was "on top...looking for a hole" in the fog. Shortly thereafter, the helicopter impacted hilly terrain and was destroyed.

Wreckage Examination

An examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The helicopter was not equipped for instrument flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Dec 1996 Bell 47G accident near Pendleton, OR?

A restricted-category helicopter impacted hilly terrain during a return flight after the pilot reported being on top looking for a hole in the fog. The helicopter was destroyed and no preimpact mechanical malfunctions were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Dec 1996 involved a Bell 47G, registration N4758R, operated by Wildhorse Helicopters, Inc., at Pendleton, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot-in-command's attempt to conduct visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, and his failure to maintain altitude/clearance with hilly terrain. A contributing factor in the accident was the presence of fog.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07244. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.