# NTSB CHI07CA244: Bell 206B, N9ZV, Columbia, MO, July 31, 2007 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: July 31, 2007, 13:05 local (18:05 UTC) - Place: Columbia, MO - Coordinates: 38.816665, -92.216667 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.8167&lon=-92.2167&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report August 30, 2007 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 66412 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI07CA244 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66412/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07CA244 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter, which resulted in impact with terrain during takeoff. A factor in the accident was the tall grass. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, takeoff - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor) - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The helicopter was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during takeoff. The pilot stated that the helicopter was to be loaded with one passenger in the left seat and a 167 lb part behind the pilot. The part was loaded onto the helicopter and the pilot was then informed that the passenger would not be riding in the helicopter. Because of a "time deadline," the pilot decided to fly the helicopter from the left seat instead of the right in order to "have a good lateral C.G." During takeoff, the pilot reported that the helicopter started "sinking toward the ground" and that he was "over controlling the cyclic." The helicopter's skids came in contact with tall grass and tipped "very far forward." The pilot tried to level the helicopter with the cyclic, the tail "fell rapidly," and the helicopter subsequently impacted terrain and rolled over on its right side. The pilot stated in his accident report that the accident could have been prevented had he taken the time to get help to move the load to the co-pilot's side. He reported that it would have solved his lateral C.G. problem and he would be flying the helicopter from his normal position. ## Factual narrative The helicopter was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during takeoff. The pilot stated that the helicopter was to be loaded with one passenger in the left seat and a 167 lb part behind the pilot. The part was loaded onto the helicopter and the pilot was then informed that the passenger would not be riding in the helicopter. Because of a "time deadline," the pilot decided to fly the helicopter from the left seat instead of the right in order to "have a good lateral C.G." During takeoff, the pilot reported that the helicopter started "sinking toward the ground" and that he was "over controlling the cyclic." The helicopter's skids came in contact with tall grass and tipped "very far forward." The pilot tried to level the helicopter with the cyclic, the tail "fell rapidly," and the helicopter subsequently impacted terrain and rolled over on its right side. The pilot stated in his accident report that the accident could have been prevented had he taken the time to get help to move the load to the co-pilot's side. He reported that it would have solved his lateral C.G. problem and he would be flying the helicopter from his normal position. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N9ZV](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9ZV), registered now, S/N 3793 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Bell 206B - Registry model: [Bell 206B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206b) (registry code 1181511) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Allison 250-C20 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-c20-series) (registry code 03020, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 3793 - Airframe hours: 2897.2 - Engines: Allison 250-C20J 317 horsepower turbo shaft - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Executive/Corporate, Part 91 - Registered owner: Triple S Hauling Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 2006 - Departed: PVT, Columbia, MO - Destination: Springfield, MO ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 58; injuries: minor; airline transport, commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review October 1, 2006; seat: left; flight hours: 17,687 total, 3,287 in this make and model, 17,121 as pilot in command, 73 in the last 90 days, 51 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 70° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 61 °F - Altimeter: 30.06 inHg - Observed at: COU, 12 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 20070731016839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070731016839A), Jul 31, 2007: Bell 206B, Columbia, MO, Substantial damage. (-23) During take-off the pilot pedal-turned downwind, and the aircraft began to lose altitude. He added power, the aircraft dipped forward and the rotor… 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.