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Casualties unknown

Main Rotor Blade Strike During Landing on Gravel Bar (N9571)

Wellpinit, WA, US

On August 17, 1997, a Bell 47G (registration N9571) was involved in an aviation accident near Wellpinit, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site, and his failure to maintain rotor blade clearance from terrain during landing. 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's main rotor blade contacted a bank while landing on a gravel bar along the Spokane River, causing the aircraft to drop and tumble onto rocks. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.

Accident Sequence

During a landing on a gravel bar located on a bank of the Spokane River, a helicopter's main rotor blade made contact with the bank. The helicopter subsequently dropped and tumbled onto the rocks. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.

Pilot and Aircraft Information

According to records from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot was operating a restricted-category aircraft on a personal flight. No further details about the aircraft or pilot were provided.

Medical Certificate Status

The pilot's FAA Third Class Medical Certificate had expired approximately eight months prior to the accident. The source did not specify whether this expiration had any bearing on the event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Aug 1997 Bell 47G accident near Wellpinit, WA?

A helicopter's main rotor blade contacted a bank while landing on a gravel bar along the Spokane River, causing the aircraft to drop and tumble onto rocks. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Aug 1997 involved a Bell 47G, registration N9571, at Wellpinit, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site, and his failure to maintain rotor blade clearance from terrain during landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08750. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.