Accident Number: WPR21LA107
Date & Time: February 5, 2021, 14:00 Local
Registration: N6639R
Aircraft: Hughes OH-6A
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Public aircraft
On February 5, 2021, about 1400 mountain standard time, a Hughes OH-6A, N6639R, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Horseshoe Bend, Idaho. The pilot sustained serious injuries and passenger sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was operated as a public use flight.
The pilot reported that the purpose of the accident flight was to conduct wildlife damage management operations. While maneuvering at a low altitude over hilly terrain, the pilot noted a loss of rotor rpm. The pilot maneuvered the helicopter down a draw in an attempt to regain rotor rpm. Subsequently, the helicopter impacted sloped terrain, rolled over, and came to rest on its left side.
Photographs provided by local law enforcement revealed that fuselage and tail-boom were structurally damaged. The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Hughes
Registration: N6639R
Model/Series: OH-6A
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Amateur Built: No
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KBOI,2868 ft msl
Observation Time: 13:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 26 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 8°C /-1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 4200 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 19 knots / 30 knots, 320°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 5000 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.06 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point: Caldwell, ID (KEUL)
Destination: Horseshoe Bend, ID
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 44.00019,-116.13546 (est)
