Probable cause
The entanglement of construction fencing into the main rotor system, which necessitated a forced landing that resulted in substantial damage to the helicopter.
NTSB analysis
During departure from a portable dolly, the helicopter crew flew over an area where silt construction fencing was installed. While the helicopter flew about 10 ft above ground level and over the fence, the fence became unsecured and blew up and into the main rotor system. The crew then performed a forced landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, tailboom, and tail rotor blades.
Although the crew was aware of the fence, they did not believe it would be a factor during the departure because they had previously flown over it with no issues.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20LA264 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 4, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wooster, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Wayne County (BJJ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mbb BK117
- N-number
- N263MH
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2009
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.