No fatalities

Helicopter Taxi Attempt with Tie-Down Chains Attached Precedes Rollover and Rotor Blade Strike (N770GG)

Napa, CA, US

On September 8, 1997, a Bell 206B (registration N770GG) was involved in an aviation accident near Napa, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the pilot to perform an adequate preflight, which resulted in him failing to notice and release the tie down chains. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter rolled over during taxi after attempting to take off with tie-down chains still attached. A section of rotor blade separated and penetrated a building, landing on a desk.

Incident Overview

A helicopter rolled over after attempting to taxi for takeoff while tie-down chains remained attached. The incident resulted in a 3-foot section of the main rotor blades separating, penetrating the side of a building, and landing on a desk.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that he did not routinely tie the aircraft down at night. Ramp personnel had tied the helicopter down the previous night due to high winds at the airport. During his preflight inspection, the pilot stated that he performed the check but did not look down at the skids, nor did he notice the tie-down chains.

Damage and Aftermath

The main rotor blade section that separated struck a building and came to rest on a desk inside. No further details regarding injuries or other damage were provided in the source.

All Bell 206 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Sept 1997 Bell 206B accident near Napa, CA?

A helicopter rolled over during taxi after attempting to take off with tie-down chains still attached. A section of rotor blade separated and penetrated a building, landing on a desk.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Sept 1997 Bell 206B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Sept 1997 involved a Bell 206B, registration N770GG, at Napa, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the pilot to perform an adequate preflight, which resulted in him failing to notice and release the tie down chains.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08881. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.