ATL95LA160

The helicopter was being used to demonstrate its medical airlift capabilities. During an approach to an area bounded by trees, the main rotor blades contacted the trees.

On August 7, 1995, about 1200 central daylight time, a Bell UH-1H helicopter, N794CF, collided with trees during landing near Montgomery, Alabama. The helicopter was operated by South Alabama Air Rescue, Inc, under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. A flight plan was not filed for the other work use flight. There were no injuries to the commercial pilot, nor to the five passengers. The helicopter was substantially damaged. Origination of the local flight was Montgomery, at an unspecified time.

During an approach to landing, to an area bounded by trees, the main rotor blades contacted trees and were substantially damaged. According to the FAA inspector who examined the aircraft, the pilot stated that he was conducting a public use flight to demonstrate use of the helicopter for medical airlifts. The inspector also stated that the aircraft did not qualify to be used as a public use aircraft, because the helicopter was owned by a private corporation. The aircraft did not have an airworthiness certificate, and due to the aircraft's lineage, it could only be certificated in the restricted category. According to the inspector, the pilot/owner of the aircraft was previously notified about this by the Alabama Flight Standards District Office.

No further information on the pilot's flight experience was available. The pilot did not provide the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2.