Date: April 4, 2026 | Location: Chimney Rock, Montana | Aircraft: Bell 206L-1 | Local Registration: N5017G | Accident Number: WPR26LA146

On April 4, 2026, a Bell 206L-1 helicopter, N5017G, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Chimney Rock, Montana. The pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were not injured.

The pilot (estimated 264 hours total, all aircraft) 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.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: 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.

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