N138DDBell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 · 1979

On January 18, 2026, about 1510 mountain standard time, a Bell 206L-1, N138DD, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Kamas, Utah. The pilot and three passengers received minor injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot of the 206L-1, he and another pilot planned to fly their respective helicopters to a mountain lodge for lunch. The other pilot was operating a Robinson R66 helicopter with two passengers onboard. Preliminary ADS-B data retrieved from a commercially available third-party source showed the 206L-1 departing from Skypark Airport (BTF), Bountiful, Utah about 1236. The pilots proceeded to Daniels Summit Lodge, Heber, Utah, where they arrived about 1300 and remained until about 1450. After departing the lodge, the flight-of-two proceeded to Wolf Creek Summit.

The R66 pilot stated he landed first in a large snow-covered area when they arrived at Wolf Creek Summit. According to the 206L-1 pilot, he prepared to land by conducting a power check and determined that the wind was light, and the helicopter had adequate power. The 206L-1 pilot then landed about 100 ft behind the R66. Upon touchdown, the skids teetered aft, so he brought the helicopter to a hover, then increased power to depart. While about 150 ft above ground level and above effective translational lift, the helicopter began to rotate clockwise about its vertical axis despite full application of left anti-torque pedal and lowering the collective. The helicopter impacted trees and descended to the snow-covered terrain.

Multiple videos, captured by witnesses near the accident site, recorded the helicopter in the air, rotating about its vertical axis before it impacted trees and descended to the ground.

Postaccident examination revealed the helicopter came to rest on its left side on soft snow, surrounded by trees of about 40 to 50 ft in height, at an elevation of about 9,450 ft mean sea level. All major components remained on or near the main wreckage. The tailboom separated from the fuselage. The aft end of the tailboom, that included the tail rotor gearbox and tail rotor assembly, separated from the tailboom. One tail rotor blade was about 50 ft from the main wreckage. The other tail rotor blade was not recovered. At least one main rotor blade fractured into multiple sections, while the other was partially buried in the soft snow.

The helicopter was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.