Accident Details
On June 25, 2025, about 1001 mountain daylight time, an MD Helicopters 369E, registration N411WJ, was substantially damaged when it crashed near Meeker, Colorado. The pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Flight Track and Search
According to the airport manager at Meeker Coulter Field Airport (EEO), he did not observe the helicopter depart but noticed that the helicopter dolly was outside the pilot’s hangar. Later that day, the pilot’s wife inquired about her husband, prompting an alert notification by the FAA. A private search began using two airplanes and continued until dark, resuming the next day. The wreckage was found on the morning of June 26, 2025.
Review of ADS-B data showed the helicopter in the EEO traffic pattern, cycling twice before departing on the downwind leg during its third pass. It proceeded northeast and climbed. About 5 miles from the airport, it began a shallow left turn of about 180°, climbing to a maximum altitude of about 10,350 ft msl. After completing the turn, the helicopter was oriented back toward the airport. It then began a descent that continued to the end of ADS-B data. The last data point recorded the helicopter at about 7,950 ft msl, at an approximate groundspeed of 87 knots, and about 1 mile northeast of the accident site.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the accident site revealed the helicopter impacted rocky, hilly terrain and came to rest on its right side on a northwest heading at an elevation of about 6,842 ft msl, about 200 ft southwest of the first ground scar. The tail rotor assembly and about two feet of the tailboom were separated from the helicopter and were located with the first ground scar. Fragments of the helicopter were within the debris path between the fuselage and the tail rotor assembly. The helicopter was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.