Casualties unknown

Helicopter Collides with Terrain During Cattle Survey (N151KC)

Oshkosh, NE, US

On October 10, 1998, a Schweizer 269C (registration N151KC) was involved in an aviation accident near Oshkosh, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter. Factors associated with the accident were the high winds, low altitude at which the pilot was maneuvering and the uneven terrain which the helicopter contacted. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot checking cattle over choppy terrain experienced a settling event during a turn, leading to an impact and rollover. Winds were from the south-southeast at 20 knots with gusts.

Incident Overview

While performing a low-level cattle survey, a helicopter was flying over uneven, choppy terrain at an altitude between 150 and 175 feet above the ground. The pilot was navigating in a southeastern direction before initiating a turn toward the northeast, placing the aircraft in a downwind leg. Shortly after beginning a subsequent turn back to the southeast, the helicopter began to descend in an uncommanded settling motion.

Sequence of Events

The helicopter subsequently struck the uneven terrain and rolled over onto its left side. The pilot reported that at the time of the accident, the wind was blowing from the south-southeast at 20 knots with light gusts. No additional details regarding aircraft configuration, pilot actions, or environmental conditions beyond these reported wind values were provided in the source account.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11212. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.