Accident Details
On December 13, 2011, at approximately 1620 mountain standard time, a Bell 407 helicopter (registration N8067Z) was maneuvering at low altitude and low airspeed near the residence of some of its passengers when it descended into an open field about 12 miles west-northwest of the Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport in Rock Springs, Wyoming. The helicopter struck the ground hard and sustained substantial damage: the landing gear skids and lower cabin structure were deformed, and the tail boom was separated. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 and operated by Guardian Flight, based in South Jordan, Utah. The flight originated from Rock Springs around 1600. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was on file.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and the four passengers on board sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was substantially damaged.
Pilot Information
The pilot was an employee of Guardian Flight, employed as a helicopter mechanic in Rock Springs. According to the company, the pilot was not authorized to operate the helicopter. The passengers reported that the pilot left the scene immediately after the accident. The pilot did not report the accident to the National Transportation Safety Board. Law enforcement authorities later apprehended the pilot in another state. Federal Aviation Administration records indicate that the pilot was issued a student pilot certificate in 1988, with no record of any additional pilot certificates. He held a mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings and inspection authorization.
Background
An acquaintance of the pilot reported observing him flying the helicopter on several previous occasions for personal reasons, transporting passengers on these “joy rides.”
Aftermath
Guardian Flight management personnel stated that the pilot was not authorized to fly the helicopter. The accident remains under investigation by law enforcement and aviation authorities.