Casualties unknown

1998-04-24: Bell 206B (N108RL) — Lonnie G. Jensen — Jasper, TX

Jasper, TX, US

On April 24, 1998, a Bell 206B (registration N108RL) operated by Lonnie G. Jensen was involved in an aviation accident near Jasper, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's encounter with a dynamic rollover after the toe of the left skid became caught on a trailer, while attempting to land the trailer. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter experienced a dynamic rollover when its left skid caught under a trailer's side rail while attempting to land on the trailer for repositioning to a hangar for maintenance.

Incident Summary

A helicopter sustained damage in a dynamic rollover while landing on a utility trailer. The accident occurred when the toe of the left skid became caught under the trailer's side rail, causing the helicopter to tip over. The main rotor blades contacted the ground, and the helicopter came to rest on its left side.

Background

The helicopter was due for a 100-hour inspection. According to the pilot, ground handling wheels were not available to move the helicopter into the hangar for the scheduled maintenance. As an alternative, the mechanic requested the pilot to reposition the helicopter onto a utility trailer equipped with 18-inch side rails, so that it could be transported to the hangar.

The pilot's decision to proceed with the landing on the trailer was influenced by the fact that the helicopter was scheduled for an aerial application flight the following morning.

Sequence of Events

During the landing attempt on the trailer, the toe of the left skid became caught under the side rail of the trailer. This led to a dynamic rollover. The main rotor blades struck the ground, and the helicopter came to rest on its left side.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09868. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.