The Bell 206L-1 that crashed on October 4 while approaching a hospital helipad in Wichita Falls, Texas, collided with power lines as it spun to the ground about one block northeast of the building, according to a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The crash killed the patient and the flight nurse; the pilot, who was interviewed by NTSB investigators, and paramedic were seriously injured.
The Part 135 helicopter was on a night VMC approach to the United Regional Hospital at approximately 1:55 a.m. local when it crashed.
The pilot told investigators he recognized unforecast wind as he approached and decided to abort his first landing. With about one-quarter to one-half inch of left anti-torque pedal applied, the pilot added power, “tipped the nose over to get airspeed” and “pulled collective.” He said the engine had plenty of power and seemed to be operating fine. As soon as he brought the collective up, the helicopter entered a rapid right turn he described as “violent.”
The pilot told the crew to hold on as he attempted to fly out of it, but he was unable to regain control. The pilot recalled the helicopter spinning at least five times before striking the ground and rolling inverted. As the helicopter burned and filled with smoke, the pilot took off his helmet, punched out the windshield and exited.
The fire consumed the main fuselage and a portion of the tailboom.