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Air Medical Helicopter Hard Lands in Gravel Lot, Damage Discovered After Subsequent Flight (N74AE)

Shoals, IN, US

On September 21, 2003, a Bell 206L-1 (registration N74AE) was involved in an aviation accident near Shoals, IN. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Sept 2003 Bell 206L-1 accident near Shoals, IN?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Sept 2003 Bell 206L-1 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Sept 2003 involved a Bell 206L-1, registration N74AE, at Shoals, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot not maintaining a proper descent rate during the touchdown once visual reference was reduced by the dust in the rotor downwash. Factors were the dusty gravel landing area and the pilot's visual lookout not being possible due to the dust the rotor downwash raised.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030924X01590. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.