On September 21, 2003, a Bell 206L-1 (registration N74AE) was involved in an aviation accident near Shoals, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining a proper descent rate during the touchdown once visual reference was reduced by the dust in the rotor downwash. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An air medical helicopter sustained substantial damage during a hard landing in a gravel lot. The pilot reported losing visual reference due to dust. Damage was not observed until after a subsequent flight.
Incident Overview
An air medical helicopter sustained substantial damage during a hard landing in a gravel lot. The pilot reported that the landing was harder than normal, with the aircraft contacting the ground in a level attitude and sliding approximately five feet forward.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that while on approach at approximately 10 feet above the ground, dust blowing was noticed. As the helicopter descended to between five and seven feet, the dust situation compounded and all visual reference was lost. The pilot held the existing control inputs and allowed the aircraft to settle to the ground.
Post-Landing Inspection
After the landing, the pilot conducted an inspection using a flashlight and observed no damage. The helicopter was subsequently flown by another pilot, during which damage was discovered. The air medical helicopter sustained substantial damage as a result of the hard landing.