Bell 206-B11 N206ED

Summary

On 29 May 2015 at about 16:10 local time, a Bell 206-B11 registered N206ED, operated by Hawkeye Helicopter, was involved in an accident near Caledonia, Michigan, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

29 May 2015 at 16:10

Classification

Accident

Location

Caledonia, Michigan, United States

Coordinates

42.8225, -85.4914

Aircraft

Bell 206-B11

Registration

N206ED

Category

Helicopter

Year built

1976

Engines

1

Operator

Hawkeye Helicopter

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Aerial Observation

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Jackson → Grand Rapids

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

GAA15CA102

Nobody was injured.

A loss of tail rotor effectiveness while maneuvering at low altitude, resulting in a collision with trees.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot and passenger were conducting an aerial observation flight at low altitude to inspect power lines. The pilot stated he maneuvered to do a right turn and encountered a gust of wind. The pilot lost tail rotor effectiveness and attempted to recover control of the helicopter. Before the pilot could regain full control, the helicopter descended into the tree tops and came to rest in a tree. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.