What happened
On January 18, 2026, at approximately 1510 mountain standard time, a Bell 206L-1, registration N138DD, was involved in an accident near Kamas, Utah. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
The pilot and another pilot had planned to fly their respective helicopters to a mountain lodge for lunch. After arriving at Daniels Summit Lodge and departing for Wolf Creek Summit, the pilot of the N138DD prepared to land in a large, snow-covered area. The pilot conducted a power check and determined that the wind was light and the aircraft had adequate power.
Upon landing approximately 100 feet behind a Robinson R66, the skids of the Bell 206L-1 teetered aft. The pilot transitioned into a hover and increased power to depart. While at an altitude of approximately 150 feet above ground level and above effective translational lift, the helicopter began to rotate clockwise about its vertical axis. This rotation occurred despite the pilot applying full left anti-torque pedal and lowering the collective. The aircraft subsequently impacted trees and descended to the snow-covered terrain.
There were 4 passengers and the pilot on board; the pilot and three passengers sustained minor injuries, while one person sustained 1 serious injury. There were 0 fatalities.
The investigation
Post-accident examination showed the helicopter came to rest on its left side in soft snow at an elevation of approximately 9,450 feet mean sea level, surrounded by trees measuring 40 to 50 feet in height. The tailboom separated from the fuselage, and the aft end of the tailboom, which included the tail rotor gearbox and tail rotor assembly, separated from the boom. One tail rotor blade was found approximately 50 feet from the main wreckage, and the other blade was not recovered. At least one main rotor blade fractured into multiple sections, while the other was partially buried in the snow. All major components remained on or near the main wreckage.