Accident Details
On September 7, 2013, at approximately 1530 mountain daylight time, a Bell Helicopter 206L-3, registration N721LL, impacted terrain during cruise flight near Amistad, New Mexico. The helicopter was registered to and operated by the State of Illinois under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a public use flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight had originated from Dalhart Municipal Airport (DHT), Dalhart, Texas, about 1500, with an intended destination of Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ), Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the helicopter was in cruise flight on a west-southwest course at 300 feet above ground level. The pilot and passenger were referencing a radiological monitoring system during the flight. Approximately 25 minutes into the flight, the pilot observed multiple large black birds in the helicopter's flight path and initiated an immediate hard right turn to avoid them. Subsequently, the pilot noted an increase in main rotor speed and adjusted accordingly. After rolling out on a reciprocal heading, leveling the helicopter, and slowing down, the pilot noticed that the descent rate was not decreasing despite appropriate control inputs. The helicopter touched down hard, bounced, and came to rest about 100 yards from the initial touchdown point. The pilot reported no failures or malfunctions with the helicopter prior to the accident.
Weather Conditions
Wind recorded at the departure airport at 1453 was from 170 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 21 knots. At 1553, wind was from 170 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The pilot reported a clear sky with unrestricted visibility of 20 miles and no turbulence.