NTSB Factual Report

On March 4, 2006, about 1230 eastern standard time, a Bell 206B helicopter, N6BR, registered to and operated by a private individual as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, rolled into a ditch in a field after an emergency landing in Naples, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot was not injured, and the helicopter incurred substantial damage. The flight originated at Wings South Airpark, Naples, Florida, the same day, about 1200.

The pilot said that while in cruise flight he noted a reduction in the N2 needle, which was near 90, while the rotor needle was at 100 percent. He said he had never seen that before while in cruise flight, and it concerned him a great deal since the land over which he was going to fly had a nest of crocodiles. He said he elected to make a precautionary landing in a clear area as quickly as possible, and he did so too close to a 10-foot wide irrigation ditch. He said he performed a soft landing but did not realize that the helicopter was so close to the ditch. After the helicopter sat for a while, he said that the sand in the rear must have collapsed under the helicopter's rear center of gravity because the nose of the helicopter started to rise slowly, as the helicopter started to slide backwards. According to the pilot, the tail of the helicopter struck the opposite side of the irrigation ditch and the helicopter pivoted to the right, and came to rest in the ditch, in about 15 inches of water.

An FAA inspector conducted postcrash examinations of the helicopter with the assistance of representatives from Bell Helicopter Company and Rolls-Royce Engines, and no anomalies were noted with the helicopter or any of its systems.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable area to make a precautionary landing which resulted in the helicopter rolling into a ditch.