MINR · Bell UH-1H · 1997-08-15 · TAHOE CITY, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX97TA289
Event ID
20001208X08698
Type
Accident
Date
1997-08-15
Location
TAHOE CITY, CA, USA
Coordinates
39.179817, -120.140281
Injuries
Highest injury
MINR
Fatal
0
Serious
0
Minor
1
Uninjured
6
Total aboard
7
Aircraft
Make
Bell
Model
UH-1H
Registration
N205DF
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
SUBS
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
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.