LAX01LA013

During the aeromedical evacuation of a seriously injured patient, the helicopter pilot attempted to takeoff from a clearing surrounded by trees and high elevation terrain. Also on board the helicopter were a paramedic and a flight nurse. The crewmembers indicated that no tree branches were closer than 8 to 20 feet from the helicopter as it gained between 80 and 100 feet above the terrain. As the pilot turned into the light wind, the tail rotor lost effectiveness and the helicopter started yawing uncontrollably in a clockwise direction. Due to the lack of climb performance in the high density altitude (approximately 8,850 feet) and heavy weight condition, the pilot made a forced landing in the underlying terrain during which it impacted trees.

On October 14, 2000, about 1227 hours mountain standard time, a Bell 206L-1, N2233F, operated by Classic Helicopters, Page, Arizona, impacted trees and terrain near the Jacob Lake, about 40 miles north-northwest of the Grand Canyon, Arizona. The helicopter was operated as an on-demand air taxi flight under 14 CFR Part 135 for an aeromedical evacuation of a patient from a ground accident site. A company visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was filed, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The helicopter was substantially damaged, and the commercial certificated pilot sustained minor injures. The flight nurse, paramedic, and passenger/patient also received minor injuries. The flight was in the process of departing with the patient, who had been seriously injured from a fall, when the accident occurred.

The pilot indicated to the Coconino County Sheriff's Department that after lifting off he started to turn the helicopter into the wind. In the process, the tail rotor lost authority, and the helicopter started to spin.

The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he lost control of the helicopter upon climbing 80 to 100 feet above the ground when the helicopter started rotating in a clockwise direction. The pilot stated that he had applied full left pedal in an effort to stop the rotation, but his efforts were not effective. Thereafter, because there was not enough room to accelerate into the wind due to higher trees in the departure path, he reduced power. Realizing that no recovery was possible, he attempted to maintain a level attitude as the helicopter descended and impacted the nearby trees and terrain.

The pilot and crewmembers stated to the Safety Board investigator that during the takeoff, the tail rotor had been between an estimated 8 to 20 feet from the nearest tree branches. No branches or vegetation were observed contacting the helicopter during the climb. The pilot stated that no annunciator lights illuminated, and no loss of engine power or rotor rpm occurred during the initial climb.

In the pilot's written report of the accident, he indicated that it occurred at an elevation of 7,500 feet mean sea level. The wind condition was "light" and the temperature was about 59 degrees Fahrenheit. The Safety Board investigator calculated that the density altitude was approximately 8,850 feet.