What happened
On June 29, 2014, an Aerospatiale AS350B2 helicopter, registration N350CR, crashed into terrain near Dietrich, Idaho. The aircraft was being operated by Reeder Flying Service under 14 CFR Part 135 for an aerial photography mission. The flight departed Twin Falls, Idaho, at approximately 1630 mountain daylight time, bound for Rexburg, Idaho.
While the helicopter was climbing to an altitude between 800 and 1,000 feet above ground level, the pilot lost consciousness. Witnesses observed the aircraft perform a sudden 180-degree reversal to the southwest before entering a rapid, tail-first descent into the ground. During the descent, the passenger in the front left seat attempted to use the cyclic to maintain control, and the rear passenger attempted to pull the pilot's torso back into the seat, but the aircraft ultimately struck the ground. The accident resulted in 3 serious injuries and 0 fatalities.
The investigation
Investigators from the NTSB, Airbus Helicopters, and Honeywell examined the wreckage in Phoenix, Arizona. The examination of the airframe and the Honeywell LTS 101-700D-2 engine revealed no mechanical anomalies or failures.
A review of video footage recorded by the passengers showed the pilot slumping forward with limp body movements.
Medical analysis of the pilot's records revealed a history of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. While the pilot had treated gastroenteritis the night before the flight, post-accident medical evaluations led to a diagnosis of sick sinus syndrome, a heart rhythm disorder. This condition was treated with an implanted pacemaker the day after the accident.