N937R – Bell 206L-3 – 1996-11-02 NTSB Accident Report

On November 02, 1996, a Bell 206L-3 (N937R) was involved in an incident near Mancos, CO. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: Failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from the windsock, during a hover/pedal-turn after lift-off.

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.

This incident is documented in NTSB report FTW97LA034. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N937R.