Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain lateral drift control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that he was landing the turbine-powered helicopter on a frozen lake covered by 18 to 24 inches of snow. He reported that during the landing flare, in reduced visibility due to blowing snow, the helicopter drifted right and when the skid depth in the snow increased the helicopter rolled over, which resulted in structural damage to the airframe. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA100 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 7, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kalispell, Montana
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206B
- N-number
- N127TP
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.