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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Encounters Wind Shear During Filming Operation, Impacts Terrain (N2751U)

Atlantic City, WY, US

On August 23, 2004, a Bell 206B3 (registration N2751U) was involved in an aviation accident near Atlantic City, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inability to maintain aircraft control, improper in-flight planning and decision making, and failure to compensate for wind conditions, resulting in collision with terrain. 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

A helicopter conducting a filming operation encountered sudden wind shear and a tailwind while maneuvering near a hill, lost control, and impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage.

Flight Details

The pilot reported that he was engaged in a filming operation. He had completed a pass at high groundspeed and was reducing speed to approximately 20 mph into the wind.

Accident Sequence

At about 75 feet above ground level and an airspeed of approximately 60 knots, the pilot continued to maneuver the helicopter around the leeward side of a small hill. During this maneuver, the helicopter encountered a sudden wind shear and a tailwind of 15 to 20 knots. The pilot stated that the helicopter lost all response to control inputs, and he was unable to maintain altitude. The helicopter descended, struck the terrain, and rolled over.

Damage

The impact crushed the forward fuselage, separated the main rotor assembly, and buckled the tail boom.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Aug 2004 Bell 206B3 accident near Atlantic City, WY?

A helicopter conducting a filming operation encountered sudden wind shear and a tailwind while maneuvering near a hill, lost control, and impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Aug 2004 involved a Bell 206B3, registration N2751U, at Atlantic City, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inability to maintain aircraft control, improper in-flight planning and decision making, and failure to compensate for wind conditions, resulting in collision with terrain. Contributing factors were the intentional low-level maneuver, and the wind shear conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040825X01287. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.