Casualties unknown

1997-07-05: Bell 47G-3B-1 (N8537F) — Roosevelt, UT

Roosevelt, UT, US

On July 5, 1997, a Bell 47G-3B-1 (registration N8537F) was involved in an aviation accident near Roosevelt, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Wind gusts were a factor. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter experienced a hard landing after a gust of wind caused it to spin while approaching a landing pad. The pilot aborted the landing but the spin continued, leading to a hard landing in an open field.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while returning to a residence and preparing to land on a landing pad, a gust of wind struck the helicopter. The aircraft was approaching the pad from the north at an altitude of approximately 15 to 25 feet above ground level.

Sequence of Events

As the helicopter began to spin to the right, the pilot pulled up in an attempt to abort the landing and gain altitude above a nearby tree line. However, the spinning motion continued, and the helicopter drifted westward over the tree line, wires, and fences.

Landing

Faced with the ongoing spin, the pilot chose to land the helicopter in an open field. The helicopter impacted the ground hard, bounced, and then settled with a second landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08500. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.