Casualties unknown

2007-10-18: Bell 206B-III (N51698) — Medora, ND

Medora, ND, US

On October 18, 2007, a Bell 206B-III (registration N51698) was involved in an aviation accident near Medora, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain clearance from the fence while maneuvering at a low altitude, which resuled in the helicopter rolling over and impacting the terrain. A factor associated with the accident was the fence. 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 helicopter lost control and impacted terrain after its left skid caught the top wire of a ten-foot fence during a herding mission. The pilot attempted recovery by reducing power and adjusting cyclic but was unsuccessful.

Incident Overview

During a herding mission, a helicopter lost control after its left skid caught the top wire of a ten-foot-high fence. The skid snagged the fence, causing the helicopter to initiate a dynamic roll to the left. The helicopter continued rolling until it impacted the ground.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported that he attempted to counteract the roll by reducing engine power and adjusting the cyclic control. He stated, "reducing the power and adjusting the cyclic but was unsuccessful."

Sequence of Events

The accident sequence began when the helicopter, engaged in herding, came into proximity with a wire fence. The left skid hooked the top wire at a height of ten feet. This contact created a rolling moment, leading to a dynamic roll to the left. The pilot tried to correct by reducing power and adjusting cyclic, but the roll continued, and the helicopter struck the terrain. No further details were provided about the outcome or subsequent events.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071115X01799. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.