LAKE CITY, CO, USA
N3893U
BELL 206L-3
THE HELICOPTER TOOK OFF IN MARGINAL VMC CONDITIONS AT CLOSE TO CONDITIONS REQUIRING MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE FOR TAKEOFF. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO HOVER AT 90 PERCENT RPM WAITING HE SAID 'FOR A BREEZE'. THE HOVER STIRRED UP SNOW CAUSING A WHITEOUT AND LOSS OF VISUAL CUES. WHEN THE ACFT WAS SETTLING THE PLT APPLIED 100 PERCENT TO CHECK THE DESCENT BUT THE ACFT STRUCK THE GROUND. AN ARTICLE IN FEB 1984 ISSUE OF FLYING SAFETY HAD SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS TYPE OPERATION WHICH INCLUDES 'APPLY SUFFICIENT TORQUE FOR A POSITIVE RATE OF CLIMB.'
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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