# NTSB ATL95LA160: Bell UH-1H, N794CF, Montgomery, AL, August 7, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 7, 1995, 12:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Montgomery, AL
- Coordinates: 31.300697, -86.480415 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.3007&lon=-86.4804&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 6 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 21, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3617
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL95LA160
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3617/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL95LA160

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, approach
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

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.

## Factual narrative

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.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N794CF](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N794CF), registered now, S/N 63-08794 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL UH-1H
- Registry model: [Bell UH-1H](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-uh-1h) (registry code 1181407) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 417886132
- Engines: LYCOMING T-53 1250 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Registered owner: South Alabama Air Rescue Inc
- Departed: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 75 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MGM, 1 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19950807030449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950807030449A), Aug 7, 1995: Bell UH1H, Montgomery, AL, Substantial damage. Demo for EMS use. Main rotors hit trees landing. No airworthiness. Unable for EMS due restricted catagory of model.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.