What happened
On April 14, 2025, at approximately 1800 Pacific daylight time, a Bell 206B, registration N16671, was involved in an accident near Amboy, Washington. The helicopter was being operated under Part 91 for personal flight purposes.
The pilot had been performing takeoff and landing practice for approximately one hour when the aircraft was at an altitude of about 800 feet above ground level. The pilot reported feeling a shudder and hearing a change in engine sound, which was immediately followed by the illumination of the engine chip detector light and a loss of engine power.
In response to the power loss, the pilot initiated an autorotation and turned right toward an open field. During the landing, which occurred with a 20-knot tailwind, the tail skid made contact with the ground. This contact was followed by the separation of the tailboom near the elevators. The aircraft came to rest balanced on the right skid, the right elevator, and one main rotor blade. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
A visual inspection of the engine revealed damage to the compressor section. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.