SODA SPRINGS, CA, USA
N2296N
Bell 206-B3
The helicopter was engaged in external load transport for an electric utility company project. After completing the external load operation, the pilot released the external load apparatus and landed. Before the engine was shut down; however, a ground crewman signaled the pilot to reposition the helicopter a short distance away. While lifting to hover taxi, the landing gear skid either stuck to the ground or hooked on an object and a dynamic rollover resulted.
On October 18, 1999, at 1122 hours Pacific daylight time, a Bell 206-B3, N2296N, was substantially damaged when the helicopter rolled on its side and impacted the ground while hover taxiing to reposition the helicopter in a remote location 7 miles northwest of Soda Springs, California. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. Westwind helicopters, Inc., operated the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 133. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area flight. No flight plan was filed. According to the operator, the helicopter was engaged in external load transport for a Pacific Gas and Electric Company project, operating under 14 CFR Part 133. After completing the external load operation, the pilot released the external load apparatus and landed. Before the engine was shut down; however, a ground crewman signaled the pilot to reposition the helicopter a short distance away. While lifting to hover taxi, the landing gear skid either stuck to the ground or hooked on an object and the aircraft rolled over on its right side.
The failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain landing skid clearance during hover taxi, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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