Casualties unknown

2002-08-30: Bell 206L-III (N43GA) — Canon City, CO

Canon City, CO, US

On August 30, 2002, a Bell 206L-III (registration N43GA) was involved in an aviation accident near Canon City, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance of a static wire, and the subsequent loss of aircraft control due to the main rotor pitch change tubes being severed. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that his helicopter's mast struck a wire while ascending from a canyon, severing main rotor pitch change tubes. The aircraft descended vertically 20-30 feet, breaking the left skid, crushing the fuselage, and separating the tail boom and rotor blade portions.

Overview

According to a pilot report, a helicopter accident occurred as the aircraft was returning to its helipad after flying in a canyon. The pilot stated that while ascending to the surface, the helicopter's mast contacted and struck a wire.

Sequence of Events

The impact severed the main rotor pitch change tubes, disabling the helicopter. The aircraft subsequently descended vertically from an estimated height of 20 to 30 feet. During the descent, the helicopter sustained extensive structural damage.

Damage

The pilot reported that the left skid was broken, the fuselage was crushed, the tail boom separated from the airframe, and portions of both main rotor blades separated. The damage rendered the helicopter substantially damaged.

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, time of day, weather conditions, or injuries were provided in the report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020911X01587. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.