N205LT

Substantial
Minor

Bell 206-B2S/N: 1459

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
NTSB Number
SEA07CA258
Location
Rosamond, CA
Event ID
20071012X01581
Coordinates
34.870834, -118.209167
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusting variable winds encountered after landing. Factors include gusting, suddenly shifting winds, and a hangar near the spot where the helicopter had landed.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N205LT
Make
BELL
Serial Number
1459
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Year Built
1974
Model / ICAO
206-B2B06
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
FRANCIS WILLIAM P
Address
4300 KNOX AVE
Status
Deregistered
City
ROSAMOND
State / Zip Code
CA 93560-6427
Country
United States

Analysis

After hover-taxiing to his normal parking spot in strong gusting variable winds, the pilot landed the helicopter. He then rolled the throttle to flight-idle, frictioned the collective down, started the timing for the required two-minute turbine cool down, and leaned forward to tighten the friction for the cyclic. At that point, the helicopter, which still had considerable energy in its slowing main rotor, was hit by a strong gust of wind. The helicopter became momentarily airborne, and collided with a nearby hangar. According to witnesses, the winds at the airport were gusting between the hangars, resulting in sudden strong gusts coming from varying directions.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA07CA258