Casualties unknown

2004-06-22: Bell 206B (N3902W) — Graysville, AL

Graysville, AL, US

On June 22, 2004, a Bell 206B (registration N3902W) was involved in an aviation accident near Graysville, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for a tailwind and his failure to maintain directional control resulting in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. A factor was the pilot's improper in-flight decision to hover with a tailwind. 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 maneuvering at low altitude experienced an uncommanded right turn and collided with trees and a road, rolling over. The pilot reported loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

Maneuvering and Initial Event

The pilot reported maneuvering the helicopter in a right turn at 200 feet above ground level (AGL) with a ground speed between 20 to 25 knots and a tail wind. During the turn, the helicopter began an uncommanded turn to the right.

Pilot Actions

In response, the pilot immediately applied left anti-torque pedal and increased power. However, the rate of the uncommanded turn increased. The pilot then decreased power, lowered the nose, and applied right cyclic, but the turn rate continued to increase.

Collision

The helicopter descended while turning to the right and collided with trees and a road. The impact collapsed the right skid, and the helicopter rolled over onto its left side.

Pilot Statements

When asked about mechanical problems before the accident, the pilot stated there were none. Asked what happened, the pilot said he encountered a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. Regarding training for such an event, the pilot stated he had only open discussion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040624X00862. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.