Introduction
On January 18, 2026, about 1510 mountain standard time, a Bell 206L-1 helicopter, registration N138DD, was substantially damaged in an accident near Kamas, Utah. The pilot and three passengers received minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight Sequence
According to the pilot of the Bell 206L-1, he and another pilot planned to fly their respective helicopters to a mountain lodge for lunch. The other pilot operated a Robinson R66 helicopter with two passengers. Preliminary ADS-B data from a third-party source indicated that the Bell 206L-1 departed Skypark Airport (BTF), Bountiful, Utah, about 1236. The pilots proceeded to Daniels Summit Lodge, Heber, Utah, arriving about 1300 and remaining until about 1450. After departing, the flight-of-two proceeded to Wolf Creek Summit.
Accident Description
The R66 pilot reported landing first in a large snow-covered area at Wolf Creek Summit. The Bell 206L-1 pilot prepared to land by conducting a power check, determining that wind was light and the helicopter had adequate power. He then landed about 100 feet behind the R66. Upon touchdown, the skids teetered aft, prompting him to bring the helicopter to a hover and increase power to depart. While about 150 feet above ground level and above effective translational lift, the helicopter began to rotate clockwise about its vertical axis despite full application of left anti-torque pedal and lowering the collective. The helicopter impacted trees and descended to the snow-covered terrain. Multiple videos captured by witnesses near the accident site recorded the helicopter rotating before impact.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination revealed the helicopter came to rest on its left side on soft snow, surrounded by trees about 40 to 50 feet high, at an elevation of approximately 9,450 feet mean sea level. All major components remained on or near the main wreckage. The tailboom separated from the fuselage, and the aft end, including the tail rotor gearbox and tail rotor assembly, also separated. One tail rotor blade was located about 50 feet from the main wreckage; the other was not recovered. At least one main rotor blade fractured into multiple sections, while the other was partially buried in the soft snow. The helicopter was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.