# NTSB CEN25LA163: Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK 117, N880SL, Hartford, IL, April 25, 2025

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report
- Date: April 24, 2025, 20:51 local (Apr 25, 2025, 01:51 UTC)
- Place: Hartford, IL · Off-airport LZ next to the Hartford Fire Department.
- Coordinates: 38.837712, -90.09583 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.8377&lon=-90.0958&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Initial climb: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 3 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Investigation class: Class 4 - Basic report with no Prelim publish
- NTSB office: Central Region
- Parties: FAA St. Louis FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 200063
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN25LA163
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/200063/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=200063
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA163

## Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the initial climb at night from a confined area landing zone, that resulted in an impact with a tree, a loss of control, and a subsequent impact with terrain.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK 117 B-2, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=5626013), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md)
- [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK 117 B-2, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=5626013), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md)
- [Attention/monitoring: task monitoring/vigilance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK 117 B-2, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520/cases.md?model=5626013), [All aircraft, 330 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520/cases.md)
- [Action: incorrect action sequence](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041020): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK 117 B-2, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041020/cases.md?model=5626013), [All aircraft, 77 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041020/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Initial climb: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) (defining event); cases with it: [Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK 117 B-2, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=5626013), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md)
- [Post-impact: Evacuation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/460); cases with it: [Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK 117 B-2, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/460/sequence.md?model=5626013), [All aircraft, 103 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/460/sequence.md)
- [Post-impact: Fire/smoke (post-impact)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/170); cases with it: [Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK 117 B-2, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/170/sequence.md?model=5626013), [All aircraft, 354 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/170/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The purpose of the public relations flight with the air medical helicopter was to perform landing zone training with a fire department. Prior to the flight, the pilot discussed the confined area landing zone characteristics with another company pilot, and he studied satellite imagery of the confined area landing zone. The flight manifest and the flight risk assessment tool were completed and submitted to the operational control center, which then issued a flight release after approval. Prior to initiating the approach, the pilot performed a high reconnaissance to identify the confined area landing zone and the obstacles which consisted of a tree and power lines. The pilot then performed a low reconnaissance while simultaneously performing a steep approach. The helicopter landed in the vacant lot, consisting of a flat grass field, across the street from the fire department. Several hours later after the training was completed, the pilot performed a ground reconnaissance, noting the tree and the power lines. Ground personnel illuminated the power lines near the confined area landing zone for the night takeoff. The pilot, who was utilizing night vision goggles with the helicopter’s searchlight activated, brought the helicopter to an in ground effect hover, and he balanced the torque indications for the two turboshaft engines. The pilot decided to use the power lines in front of the helicopter as a visual reference for the initial climb. During the initial climb, the helicopter inadvertently drifted rearward, and the tail rotor system impacted the tree. The helicopter rotated to the right, descended, and it came to rest partially upright. Shortly after impacting the ground, a postimpact fire initiated, and partially consumed the helicopter. The front right seat pilot and the rear left seat (aft facing) flight nurse were able to egress on their own from the helicopter. The front left seat flight nurse required assistance from ground personnel to egress from the helicopter. The fire department was able to immediately perform fire suppression efforts on the helicopter. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, the main rotor system, the empennage, and the tail rotor system. The helicopter was not equipped with a crash resistant fuel system, nor was it required by regulation.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N880SL](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N880SL), registered now, S/N 7130, built 1988 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MESSERSCHMITT-BOLKOW-BLOHM BK 117 (B-2)
- Registry model: [Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK 117 B-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/messerschmitt-bolkow-blohm-bk-117-b-2) (registry code 5626013) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming LTS-101 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-lts-101-series) (registry code 41560, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 7130
- Year built: 1988
- Airframe hours: 17354.5
- Engines: Lycoming LTS-101B1 593 horsepower turbo shaft; Lycoming LTS-101B1 593 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Other work use, Part 135
- Operator: Air Methods LLC, doing business as Air Methods LLC
- Registered owner: Air Methods LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: AAIP, April 22, 2025, 4 hours before
- Departed: None, Hartford, IL
- Destination: None, Granite City, IL
- Flight plan: Company VFR
- Equipment: Satellite tracking device, Electronic flight bag or handheld device, ADS-B

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; injuries: serious; airline transport; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review July 8, 2024; seat: right; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 7,404 total, 1,277 in this make and model, 7,338 as pilot in command, 49 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night
- Wind: 140° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.01 inHg
- Observed at: KALN, 3 nm away
- METAR: KALN 250150Z 14004KT 10SM SCT048 22/16 A3001

## 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 20250424003989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20250424003989A), Apr 24, 2025: Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK 117 B-2, Hartford, IL, Destroyed. The PIC accepted a public relations event flight and completed the certificate holder's risk analysis form. The PIC did not document on the risk assessment…

## Docket (20 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 20, 2025, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=200063. 635 MB in all.

- Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 10 pages, 1.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18755715&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=CEN25LA163%20NTSB%20Form%206120_1_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Accident photographs (item 2, PDF, 13 pages, 3.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18756608&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Accident%20Photographs-Rel.pdf
- Aircrew statements (item 3, PDF, 7 pages, 321 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18770597&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Aircrew%20Statements_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Witness statements (item 4, PDF, 9 pages, 6.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18761099&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Witness%20Statements_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Landing video 1 (courtesy of the hartford fire department) (item 5, MP4, 104 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18756284&FileExtension=mp4&FileName=Landing%20Video%201-Rel.mp4
- Landing video 2 (courtesy of the hartford fire department) (item 6, MP4, 36.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18756433&FileExtension=mp4&FileName=Landing%20Video%202-Rel.mp4
- Takeoff video 1 (courtesy of the hartford fire department) (item 7, MP4, 19.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18756204&FileExtension=mp4&FileName=Takeoff%20Video%201-Rel.mp4
- Takeoff video 2 (courtesy of the hartford fire department) (item 8, MP4, 81.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18756347&FileExtension=mp4&FileName=Takeoff%20Video%202-Rel.mp4
- Takeoff video 3 (courtesy of the hartford fire department) (item 9, MP4, 243 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18755193&FileExtension=mp4&FileName=Takeoff%20Video%203-Rel.mp4
- Takeoff video 4 (courtesy of the hartford fire department) (item 10, MP4, 29.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18756686&FileExtension=mp4&FileName=Takeoff%20Video%204-Rel.mp4
- Takeoff video 5 (courtesy of the hartford fire department) (item 11, MP4, 103 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18754761&FileExtension=MP4&FileName=Takeoff%20Video%205-Rel.MP4
- Postimpact fire video (courtesy of the hartford fire department) (item 12, MP4, 1.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18756095&FileExtension=mp4&FileName=Postimpact%20Fire%20Video-Rel.mp4
- Airbus - mbb BK117 B-2 flight manual excerpt (item 13, PDF, 1 page, 942 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18756894&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Airbus%20BK117%20B-2%20Flight%20Manual%20Excerpt-Rel.pdf
- Google earth satellite imagery - approximate landing zone measurements (item 14, PDF, 1 page, 155 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18759758&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Landing%20Zone%20Measurements-Rel.pdf
- Air methods - accident flight manifest (item 15, PDF, 1 page, 113 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18754771&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Accident%20Flight%20-%20Manifest_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Air methods - accident flight risk assessment tool (item 16, PDF, 4 pages, 142 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18756105&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Accident%20Flight%20-%20Flight%20Risk%20Assessment%20Tool_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Air methods - accident pilot most recent training records (item 17, PDF, 6 pages, 940 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18757013&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Accident%20Pilot%20Training%20Records_Redacted-Rel.pdf
- Air methods - general operations manual excerpts (item 18, PDF, 2 pages, 492 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18757060&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Air%20Methods%20GOM%20-%20Excerpts-Rel.pdf
- Air methods - training manual excerpts (item 19, PDF, 4 pages, 1.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18757141&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Air%20Methods%20Training%20Manual%20-%20Excerpts-Rel.pdf
- Federal aviation administration - crash resistant fuel system information (item 20, PDF, 22 pages, 391 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18775175&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Crash%20Resistant%20Fuel%20System%20Information-Rel.pdf

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.

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