Final Report: Grand Canyon helicopter lost power

Bell 206L-1 LongRanger, Peach Springs, Ariz., May 2, 2005–The NTSB was unable to determine the reason for the loss of power that caused th

By Mary F. Silitch

July 6, 2007

Bell 206L-1 LongRanger, Peach Springs, Ariz., May 2, 2005–The NTSB was unable to determine the reason for the loss of power that caused the LongRanger to crash during a long-line sling load operation. The helicopter was carrying fuel cans in a net from a landing strip on the rim of the Grand Canyon to the canyon floor to refuel tour boats on the Colorado River.

The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, said he was descending at about 50 fpm as he neared the ground. The wind conditions were calm, or nearly so. With his head outside the cockpit watching the ground crew, he heard a tone, and then heard a series of three low-frequency popping noises. He was unsure if the popping sounds were coming from the engine or from the main rotor blades. The helicopter then began to settle toward the ground and descended to a hard impact into desert scrub brush. After hearing the popping noises, the pilot rolled off the power and entered an autorotation.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.