NTSB Factual Report

On April 8, 2009, approximately 0100 central standard time, a Bell Helicopter 206/L3, N295AE, registered to Air Evac EMS Inc., and operated by a commercial pilot, received minor damage while in cruise flight near Vick, Texas. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the incident. The air medical flight was being conducted under provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 on a company visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan. Neither the pilot, two crew members, or passenger were injured. The cross country flight departed Hot Hospital, Brady, Texas, approximately 0035 and was en route to Shannon Medical Center (03TS), San Angelo, Texas.

According to the pilot he heard and felt a prolonged "thud" during cruise flight at 1,000 feet above ground level (agl) and 110 knots. The airframe "wallowed" laterally and he felt resistance in the cyclic flight control followed by a return of normal aircraft control. The pilot made a precautionary landing. An examination of the airframe revealed that the left side vertical winglet of the horizontal stabilizer was missing, and the lower vertical fin leading edge was crumpled. According to the helicopter operator, the vertical stabilizer was not recovered and there was no physical evidence located on the helicopter identifying the object involved in the collision. An examination of the remaining helicopter systems revealed no anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

Undetermined.