# NTSB DEN82DA130: Aerospatiale SA316B, N67081, Meeteetse, WY, July 8, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: July 7, 1982, 19:30 local (Jul 8, 1982, 01:30 UTC)
- Place: Meeteetse, WY
- Coordinates: 44.150199, -108.869392 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.1502&lon=-108.8694&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 5 serious, 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 7, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71655
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN82DA130
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71655/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DA130

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - pickup equipment - not removed (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

PRIOR TO THIS FLIGHT, A LONG LINE HAD BEEN ATTACHED TO THE HELICOPTER FOR AN EXTERNAL LOAD OPERATION. HOWEVER, THERE WASA CHANGE IN THE SCHEDULE AND THE PILOT WAS INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE BASE CAMP WITH SIX PASSENGERS. WHEN THE PILOT TOOK OFF, HE WAS UNAWARE THAT THE LONG LINE WAS STILL ATTACHRD. DURING THE LANDING APPROACH, THE LONG LINE BECAME ENTANGLED WITH A FENCE AND THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED. THE ELEVATION OF THE LANDING SITE WAS ABOUT 7000 FT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N67081](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N67081), registered now, S/N 2184 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AEROSPATIALE SA316B
- Registry model: [Aerospatiale SA316B ALOUETTE III](https://openairdocs.org/model/aerospatiale-sa316b-alouette-iii) (registry code 8680515) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2184
- Airframe hours: 1863
- Engines: TURBOMECA ARTOUSTE IIIB 562 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Hawkins And Powers Helicopters
- Registered owner: Inland Helicopters, Inc
- Departed: SPAR MOUNTAIN, WY
- Destination: WOOD RIVER LODG, WY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; commercial, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 3,247 total, 104 in this make and model, 2,985 as pilot in command, 113 in the last 90 days, 49 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Temperature: 174 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: COD, 33 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 19820707029459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820707029459A), Jul 7, 1982: Aerosp SA316B, Meeteetse, WY, Destroyed. Long line attached to helicopter caught on fence causing crash during approach for landing.

## Other investigations on N67081 (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 LAX85FA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA126), Jan 30, 1985: Aerospatiale SA316B (N67081), Galt, CA, substantial damage

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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