Bell 206 N8052G accident near Battle Mountain, Nevada

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain the proper altitude and airspeed while flying in a canyon in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The helicopter pilot reported that, while climbing out of a canyon at 30 knots indicated airspeed, about 50 ft above ground level, he felt a "hard vibration" in the cyclic and collective controls. He then saw that the airspeed gauge was reading 0 knots and felt the helicopter being pushed down. The torque indicator rose to 120% without any cyclic or collective control input. He applied right cyclic, lowered the collective, applied right pedal to counter the torque, and turned the helicopter downslope into the wind. He applied forward cyclic to better match the downslope of the terrain and raised the collective, but the skids impacted the ground, followed by the main rotor blades. The helicopter rotated 180º to the right before coming to rest downhill on its right side. Shortly after, a postimpact fire ensued, which destroyed the helicopter.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that the winds were gusting to 30 knots in the canyon and "changing direction every minute or so."

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA512 for the full record.