Bell 206B-III accident near Park Rapids, Minnesota, September 27, 2001
On September 27, 2001 at about 5:30 pm local time, a Bell 206B-III (helicopter), registered N56MC, was substantially damaged in an accident near Park Rapids, Minnesota. It was a business flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 4 people had minor injuries. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The pilot not maintaining altitude/clearance when he maneuvered above the glassy lake. A factor to the accident was the glassy lake condition.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- September 27, 2001 · about 5:30 pm local time
- Place
- Park Rapids, Minnesota · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 4 people had minor injuries.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Bell 206B-III · all 206B-IIIs on the register
- Registration
- N56MC · registry record · serial 3573
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Business flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The helicopter sustained substantial damage on impact with water while maneuvering over a glassy lake. The pilot stated, "Potato Lake selected for low altitude water/shoreline footage. Did high recon, no observed boat traffic in conflict with flight path over water at approx 40 to 50 ft. Commenced with descent profile of 80 mph and 600 [feet per minute]. The descent was to continue until treetop level then terminate descent and cruise over water for length of lake. Flight path was south to north with planned airspeed of 60 - 80 mph, then climb out. Reached target altitude confirmed with left and right shoreline sight picture, raised collective pitch with [simultaneous] forward cyclic pressure to commence over water cruise. Engine appeared non-responsive to power demand. Descent was not arrested. Added additional collective, no response to power demand. Leveled aircraft and impacted water with forward velocity." The front left seat passenger stated, "The pilot did not give us any pre-flight safety briefing or instructions. The pilot did not demonstrate or explain how to use the seat belts or how to egress from the helicopter in case of an emergency. ... Shortly after takeoff, I noticed were flying very low over the lake. Suddenly the helicopter abruptly dove down nose first crashing into the lake. The helicopter quickly began to sink into the water. ... I could not unbuckle the safety harness strap. My clothing was getting very heavy and I began to swallow water uncontrollably. I thought I was going to die. I continued to unsuccessfully struggle with the safety harness. Finally, somehow, I was able to wiggle out of the buckled safety harness." Wind was calm, sky condition clear, and the temperature was 20 degrees C. An on-scene investigation of the recovered wreckage revealed no pre-impact anomalies. A study of an on-board video revealed sounds consistent with the gas producer section of the engine and the main rotor system. Both rear passengers were not wearing their seat belts.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
Pilot
- Certificate: flight instructor, commercial pilot
- Ratings: single-engine land; instructor: helicopter; rotorcraft: helicopter
- Flight time: 3,032 hours in all; 538 in this make and model; 92 in the last 90 days; 14 in the last 30 days; 2,975 as pilot in command; 649 on instruments
- Medical certificate: Class 2 (valid medical--w/ waivers/lim.)
- Seat: rgt
- Injury: minor injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 3,182.2 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, July 23, 2001; 12 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 3,200 lb
- Seats: 5
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Allison 250 C20J (turboshaft); 0 hours total
- Operator: Eac Helicopters, Inc.
The flight
- Departed from: PKD Park Rapids MN at 5:20 pm
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: at 0 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 68°F (20°C), dew point 39°F (4°C)
- Altimeter: 30.17 inHg
- Observation at 5:53 pm from PKD, 5 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 3 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.