# Accident 20050915025999A: Bell 206B, Elk Point, SD, September 15, 2005

- Type: FAA accident report (Accident/Incident Data System), as reported
- Date: September 15, 2005, 18:15 local time
- Place: Elk Point, SD
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Phase of flight: Forced/Precautionary Landing
- Operating rules: Agricultural (Part 137)
- Operator: CUHG
- Location: 42.6417° N, 96.6867° W: From the FAA
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6417&lon=-96.6867&mi=10
- Aircraft: N2995W, registered now (https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2995W) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry model: Bell 206B (registry code 1181511, https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206b) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: Allison 250-C20 series (registry code 03020, https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-c20-series) (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206B
- Fatal injuries: 0
- Pilot flight hours: 15,000 total, 3,000 in this make and model, 150 in the last 90 days
- NTSB investigation: [NTSB CHI05CA271](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05CA271) (OpenAirDocs)
- FAA source: FAA Aviation Safety Information Portal (https://asip.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050915025999A

## Narrative

As the FAA filed it, in capitals; the FAA replaces private details with ^PRIVACY DATA OMITTED^.

(-23) ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2005, AT ABOUT 1815 CDT, THE PILOT TOOK OFF IN A BHT-206-B HELICOPTER INTENDING TO SPRAY HERBICIDE ON SAND BARS ON THE MISSOURI RIVER, SOUTH OF ELK POINT, SD. THE WINDS WERE OUT OF THE SOUTH AT ABOUT 7 MPH. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR EFFECTIVENESS. HE SAID THAT FULL LEFT RUDDER WOULD NOT STOP THE AIRCRAFT FROM TURNING RIGHT. HE SAID HE THOUGHT ABOUT PUTTING THE AIRCRAFT IN THE WATER, BUT WAS NOT SURE HOW DEEP THE WATER WAS. HE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE IT BACK TO THE NURSE TRUCK, WHERE HE HAD DEPARTED. HE HAD TO REDUCE POWER TO KEEP THE AIRCRAFT FROM ROTATING, BUT HE LOST ALTITUDE. HE STRUCK THE RIVER BANK ABOUT 7 FEET FROM THE TOP. THE BLADES STRUCK THE SANDY BANK AND THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO REST ON ITS LEFT SIDE. THE HELICOPTER RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE; THE PILOT RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES.

## The NTSB's investigation of this event (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB CHI05CA271](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05CA271), Sep 15, 2005: Bell 206B (N2995W), Elk Point, SD, substantial damage. Probable cause: The loss of directional control for undetermined reasons which led to the pilot not being able to maintain clearance from the embankment during the forced landing. The rising embankment was a factor.

## Other reports on N2995W (1)

Matched to the same aircraft by N-number and date.

- [Accident 19880317008979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880317008979A), Mar 17, 1988: Bell 206B (N2995W), Honolulu, HI, Substantial damage. Became airborne while sitting on pad with rotors slowing when pilot reached to tune radio. Drifted into a fence.

From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. For accidents, the NTSB's own investigation is the fuller record.

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