Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain helicopter control in gusting wind that resulted in a loss in altitude and subsequent collision with a fence.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he departed in the helicopter, directly into the wind, and began a climb and turn to the downwind. During the turn, the helicopter encountered a wind gust and lost altitude as if it were settling. The pilot tried to maneuver the helicopter back to the airport property to land, however, the landing skids caught a fence. The helicopter nosed over and came to rest on its left side substantially damaging the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
A weather station at the airport reported the wind from 180° at 25 kts with gusts to 36 kts.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR20CA162 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 30, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Elko, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- Elko Rgnl (EKO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 206
- N-number
- N401HP
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1981
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.