What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-12-01 involved a Bell 206-L4, registration N95CH, at Talladega, AL.

Helicopter Tail Rotor Strikes Wire During Patient Transport Takeoff (N95CH)

On December 1, 2007, a Bell 206-L4 (registration N95CH) was involved in an aviation accident near Talladega, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a wire. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During a patient pick-up, a helicopter's tail rotor struck a wire about 30 feet above ground during takeoff. The pilot landed safely; no injuries reported. The wire was not previously known to the crew.

Incident Overview

A helicopter performing an off-airport landing to pick up a patient for transport struck a wire with its tail rotor during the subsequent takeoff. The pilot, who was not previously informed of the wire's presence, observed it only moments before contact. After the strike, the pilot immediately landed the helicopter without further incident.

Damage Assessment

The helicopter sustained damage to several components, including the tail rotor, vertical stabilizer, and left aft storage compartment door. No other damage was reported, and the landing was completed safely.

Circumstances

The wire was located approximately 30 feet above the ground and oriented perpendicular to the helicopter's flight path. The pilot and crew had no prior knowledge of the wire's existence, and it was not observed until just prior to the strike.

2007-12-01: Bell 206-L4 (N95CH) — Talladega, AL

Incident Overview

Damage Assessment

Circumstances

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