# NTSB FTW97LA034: Bell 206L-3, N937R, Mancos, CO, November 2, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 2, 1996, 09:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Mancos, CO
- Coordinates: 37.339134, -108.289741 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3391&lon=-108.2897&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 1, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20108
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW97LA034
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20108/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA034

## Probable cause

failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from the windsock, during a hover/pedal-turn after lift-off.

## Analysis

The pilot said the helicopter was facing west on a 15 feet x 30 feet landing area. The wind was from the south at about 5 to 10 knots. The pilot lifted the helicopter to a 5 foot hover, then made a left pedal turn to face into the wind. He then heard a loud noise and felt a vibration through the pedals. The pilot made a 'hovering autorotation,' landed, and shut down the engine. Inspection disclosed the tail rotor had struck a nearby windsock.

## Factual narrative

On November 2, 1996, approximately 0930 mountain standard time, a Bell 206L-3, N937R, registered to Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company (a subsidiary of US West), was substantially damaged during takeoff from a landing zone near Mancos, Colorado.  The commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local business flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91.  The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, the helicopter was facing west on the 15 feet x 30 feet landing zone.  The wind was from the south approximately 5 to 10 knots.  The pilot lifted the helicopter to a 5 foot hover, then made a left pedal turn to face into the wind.  He then heard a loud noise and felt a vibration through the pedals.  The pilot made a "hovering autorotation," landed, and shut down the engine.  Inspection disclosed the tail rotor had struck a nearby windsock.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, hover - in ground effect
  - object - wind sock/indicator
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Aircraft

- Registration: N937R (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Bell 206L-3
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 51255
- Airframe hours: 1754
- Engines: Allison 250-C30P 435 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Mountain States Telephone Co.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE
- Destination: 82CO, GRAND JUNCTION, CO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 6,834 total, 5,077 in this make and model, 6,634 as pilot in command, 89 in the last 90 days, 23 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 70 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °F

## 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 19961102034779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19961102034779A), Nov 2, 1996: Bell 206L3, Mancos, CO, Substantial damage. Helicopter experienced a tail strike while hovering.

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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