Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during a hover maneuver, which resulted in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter, with the pilot and two passengers aboard, was hovering about 100 to 150 feet above ground level with a quartering tailwind. As the pilot turned the helicopter to the right, the helicopter started to spin, as reported by the pilot and several witnesses. He applied full left pedal and left forward cyclic, and slightly reduced power to stop the rotation. The pilot added that he sensed the loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE) and continued with the control inputs to fly out of the LTE. The pilot was unable to regain control of the helicopter before it impacted the ground. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the flight conditions at the time, the accident sequence is consistent with the helicopter encountering a LTE event.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA267 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 2, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Valley Falls, Kansas
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 3
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206B
- N-number
- N85RB
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial observation
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.