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April 4, 2026 · Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · N5017G

Chimney Rock, MT

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 4, 2026
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Chimney Rock, MT
Aircraft
Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 (1979)
Tail Number
N5017G
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR26LA146

The pilot and pilot-rated passenger were on a personal flight practicing off airport landings. After landing in an open meadow, the pilot elected to depart using a low altitude circling maneuver. The pilot stated the purpose of the maneuver was to gain effective translational lift. During the maneuver, as the helicopter accelerated, it began to descend, and the left skid contacted the terrain, resulting in a dynamic rollover. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, , main rotor system, tail rotor system, and empennage. The pilot stated that they received training in circling takeoff maneuvers during their commercial pilot training and had previously performed similar maneuvers. The pilot reported there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from the terrain while performing a low altitude circling takeoff maneuver, which resulted in a dynamic rollover.

Full Narrative

The pilot and pilot-rated passenger were on a personal flight practicing off airport landings. After landing in an open meadow, the pilot elected to depart using a low altitude circling maneuver. The pilot stated the purpose of the maneuver was to gain effective translational lift. During the maneuver, as the helicopter accelerated, it began to descend, and the left skid contacted the terrain, resulting in a dynamic rollover. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, , main rotor system, tail rotor system, and empennage. The pilot stated that they received training in circling takeoff maneuvers during their commercial pilot training and had previously performed similar maneuvers. The pilot reported there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 MDT
Nearest AirportMountain Grassy Meadow (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1
Tail NumberN5017G
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250-C28B · Turboshaft · 435
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 21 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 17 kt, gusting 26 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 F / 27 F
Altimeter30.28 inHg
Observation Time16:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data