About 25 Knots Forward Airspeed, The Helicopter Experienced An Un-Commanded Left Roll

Location: Perry, OK Accident Number: CEN22FA053
Date & Time: November 28, 2021, 16:58 Local Registration: N59600
Aircraft: Bell 206B Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On November 28, 2021, about 1658 central standard time, a Bell 206B helicopter, N59600, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Perry, Oklahoma. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries and the student pilot sustained serious injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

The family members of the pilot reported that he worked fulltime as a helicopter air ambulance pilot. The pilot owned the accident helicopter and also worked part-time seasonal jobs as a 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application pilot.

According to the student pilot, who is the son of the pilot, the helicopter departed from a private heliport on the family’s property about 1600. The pilot performed three traffic pattern flights at the Perry Municipal Airport (F22), Perry, Oklahoma. The helicopter then departed to the west of the airport, about 2 miles west of I-35, where the pilot demonstrated to his son how he performed low-level aerial application maneuvers.

During the demonstration flight, the maneuvers were stopped, and the occupants observed a coyote in a field. About 50 ft above ground level (agl), and about 25 knots forward airspeed, the helicopter experienced an un-commanded left roll. The pilot attempted to regain control; however, the helicopter impacted a field, and came to rest next to a fence line. A postimpact fire ensued and destroyed the helicopter. The son was able to egress from the burning wreckage and contacted first responders.

A preliminary review of meteorological data indicated a light southerly wind below 2,000 ft agl, no indication of turbulence or low-level wind shear, or any other outflows or wind shifts. A pilot report indicated flight visibility of 10 miles. There were no inflight weather advisories over the region during the flight. Astronomical conditions indicated the accident occurred before sunset with a low sun elevation present.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov