Accident Details
On August 26, 2025, at about 0100 mountain daylight time, a Bell 407 GTX helicopter, registration N38AJ, was substantially damaged when it struck a sign during a landing attempt near Lincoln, Montana. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The helicopter was operating as a Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 air medical flight.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported departing Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) in Missoula, Montana, and arriving near Lincoln at about 0048. The pilot orbited the scene for about 15 minutes waiting for a ground ambulance. During that time, the pilot conducted multiple reconnaissance passes of the intended landing zone—a parking lot approximately 100 feet by 100 feet—and identified hazards including trees, wires, gravel, and tall signs around the perimeter. As the ground ambulance arrived, the pilot performed a low pass along the approach path to further assess the zone. After a crew briefing that included approach and abort options, the pilot spoke with ground contact and received a landing zone brief stating the area was clear with no overhead obstructions and that police would block the road.
The pilot chose a steep approach to avoid obstacles, setting the approach path for the middle of the landing zone. When the helicopter was about 50 feet above ground level (agl), dust began to rise from behind. The crew discussed the dust, confirmed they could see through it with night vision goggles, and elected to continue. While about 10 feet agl, the rear of the helicopter impacted a sign, causing the helicopter to impact the parking lot.
Damage and Post-Accident
The helicopter came to rest on its left side against one of two steel posts that previously supported the sign. The fuselage, main rotor, and tail rotor assemblies sustained substantial damage. All major components were accounted for. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical anomalies or malfunctions that could have precluded normal operation.