McDonnell Douglas 500 N952SF

Summary

On 14 May 2026 at about 20:30 local time, a McDonnell Douglas 500 registered N952SF, operated by Interparts General Business Inc, was involved in an accident near Twin Falls, Idaho, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

14 May 2026 at 20:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Twin Falls, Idaho, United States

Nearest airport

Joslin Fld/Magic Valley Rgnl (TWF)

Coordinates

42.4818, -114.4877

Aircraft

McDonnell Douglas 500

Registration

N952SF

Category

Helicopter

Year built

1989

Engines

1

Operator

Interparts General Business Inc

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Twin Falls → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR26LA188

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot’s failure to maintain control while hovering in gusty wind conditions, resulting in the helicopter rolling onto its side.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated he was maneuvering the helicopter around and near the airport property. While practicing hovering, he was evaluating the left lateral cyclic trim control. The helicopter encountered wind and rolled, coming to rest on its left side. During the accident sequence, the main rotor blades severed the tail boom from the airframe. The pilot stated there were no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the wind was from 320° at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.