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Casualties unknown

2001-12-21: Bell 206 (N206HE) — U.s. Forest Service — Awendaw, SC

Awendaw, SC, US

On December 21, 2001, a Bell 206 (registration N206HE) operated by U.s. Forest Service was involved in an aviation accident near Awendaw, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the bambi bucket suspension assembly during dip operation. 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 conducting water-dip operations rolled right and collided with a pond after climbing out with a 600-pound external load. The pilot had completed about 40 water-dips that day, including seven from the accident pond. Examination revealed a broken right skid.

Accident Details

According to the operator, the pilot had completed approximately 40 water-dips throughout the day, with about seven of those occurring at the accident pond. During the attempted climb out from the pond while carrying a 600-pound external load, the helicopter rolled to the right and subsequently collided with the water.

Examination

An examination of the airframe revealed that the right skid was broken forward of the landing gear cross tube. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the helicopter during the attempted takeoff.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that he believed the bucket cable did not cross over the right skid toe.

Related events

Same operator

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011228X02456. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.