USDA Forest Service

Operated by USDA Forest Service (per NTSB report)

The failure of the nose landing gear down-lock piston to engage due to paint accumulation, which resulted in a nose landing gear collapse during landing. Also causal was the failure of the facility that performed the painting to comply with manufacturer guidance regarding painting of the airplane.

Operated by USDA Forest Service (per NTSB report)

The rappeller's failure to properly latch the rappelling harness to the rappelling assembly before exiting the helicopter.

Operated by USDA Forest Service (per NTSB report)

The following actions by Carson Helicopters: 1) the intentional understatement of the helicopter's empty weight, 2) the alteration of the power available chart to exaggerate the helicopter's lift capability, and 3) the practice of using unapproved above-minimum specification torque in performance calculations that, collectively, resulted in the pilots relying on performance calculations that significantly overestimated the helicopter's load-carrying capacity and did not provide an adequate performance margin for a successful takeoff; and insufficient oversight by the U.S. Forest Service and the Federal Aviation Administration. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the flight crewmembers to address the fact that the helicopter had approached its maximum performance capability on their two prior departures from the accident site because they were accustomed to operating at the limit of the helicopter’s performance. Contributing to the fatalities were the immediate, intense fire that resulted from the spillage of fuel upon impact from the fuel tanks that were not crash resistant, the separation from the floor of the cabin seats that were not crash resistant, and the use of an inappropriate release mechanism on the cabin seat restraints.

Operated by USDA Forest Service (per NTSB report)

Loss of engine power while maneuvering due to the failure of the number 1 bearing that was caused by electrical discharge damage to the bearing originating from the starter-generator. Contributing to the accident was the operator's failure to follow the engine maintenance manual procedures for oil monitoring following generator replacement and the unsuitable terrain for the forced landing.

Operated by USDA Forest Service (per NTSB report)

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to delayed remedial action during the encounter with the loss of tail rotor effectiveness. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight performance planning, and the inadequate supervision by the US Forest Service personnel.

Operated by USDA Forest Service (per NTSB report)

The pilot's failure to maintain altitude and clearance for undetermined reasons.

Operated by USDA Forest Service (per NTSB report)

The vehicle driver's inadequate visual lookout and his failure to maintain clearance. A factor was the lack of company standards and operation procedures.

Operated by USDA/Forest Service (per NTSB report)

A compressor turbine blade fracture which resulted in a power loss, and forced landing. Factor were the rocks in the landing area, and the operator's decision to operate the engine beyond the engine manufacturer's recommendations for overhaul.

Operated by U.S.D.A. Forest Service (per NTSB report)

the airplane's left main landing gear tire separated from its wheel during takeoff roll for an undetermined reason. Contributing factors were the pilot's inability to maintain aircraft control during takeoff roll and the subsequent impact with the Visual Approach Slope Indicator box.

Operated by USDA Forest Service (per NTSB report)

An inadequate recovery from a bounced landing and directional control was not maintained during landing. A high flare and a fence were factors.

Operated by USDA, FOREST SERVICE (per NTSB report)

The failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain adequate visual surveillance to see and avoid power transmission wires known to be in the area.

Operated by USDA / FOREST SERVICE (per NTSB report)

The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff in environmental conditions which exceeded the helicopter's performance capability, and his improper use of the collective, which caused a decay of the main rotor rpm, the collision with the lake, and the subsequent rollover. Factors in the accident were the high density altitude and the confined area.

Operated by USDA FOREST SERVICE (per NTSB report)

Loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. Also causal was the ingestion of entrapped air that occurred during an abrupt maneuver and fuel-borne contamination that caused the fuel system check valves to leak, resulted in a lower than expected fuel level in the main fuel cell. A related factor was mountainous terrain.

Operated by USDA FOREST SERVICE (per NTSB report)

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER DECISION TO ATTEMPT TO HOVER OUT OF GROUND EFFECT UNDER ADVERSE CONDITIONS WHILE EXCEEDING THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE WEIGHT FOR THAT MANEUVER. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE: HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND THE TAILWIND.

Operated by USDA FOREST SERVICE (per NTSB report)

THE PILOT'S INTENTIONAL CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS PILOT FATIGUE.

Operated by USDA FOREST SERVICE (per NTSB report)

Operated by USDA FOREST SERVICE (per NTSB report)