Bell 206B accident near Sago, WV
On October 12, 1997, a Bell 206B (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Sago, WV. 4 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- October 12, 1997
- Place
- Sago, WV
- Aircraft
- Bell 206B · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 4 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 38.981°N, 80.221°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001208X09034
Official records · IAD98FA005
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On October 12, 1997, about 1113 eastern daylight time, a Bell 206B, N911RH, was destroyed as it impacted the terrain in a wooded area near Sago, West Virginia. The certificated commercial pilot and three passengers received fatal injuries. The helicopter was owned and operated by Royale Helicopter Services, Incorporated, Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 135. According to a Anker Coal Group, Inc. employee, Royale Helicopter Services was hired to fly to coal production sites to obtain photographs for a new brochure. The helicopter departed Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, and flew to Morgantown Municipal Airport, Morgantown, West Virginia, where the President of Anker Coal Group, Inc., his wife, and a photographer boarded the helicopter. The helicopter picked up another company employee at his residence, and then, flew to the first site. Upon landing, everyone, except the pilot, exited the helicopter while the photographer took pictures for approximately 1 hour. One company employee did not re-board the helicopter, but drove a vehicle to the next location. The employee stated that at the new site, he watched as the helicopter approached and circled the local area. As the helicopter flew overhead for the second time, he waved his arms to attract the pilot's attention. As the helicopter continued past him again, he thought that they were taking aerial photographs of the site. The employee stated that the helicopter appeared to be lower and slower on its sec
Probable cause
The improper overhaul of the turbine governor by the manufacturer, which resulted in the loss of power.
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Browse: West Virginia · Bell aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
