Final 3 serious Apr 24, 2025

N880SL crash at Hartford, IL

Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK 117 — Collision during takeoff/land at Hartford, IL

DateApr 24, 2025
Tail numberN880SL
AircraftMesserschmitt-bolkow BK 117 · Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BK 117
LocationHartford, IL
Phase of flightInitial Climb
OperationPart 135 Other work use
Injuries3 serious
NTSB caseCEN25LA163

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the initial climb at night from a confined area landing zone, that resulted in an impact with a tree, a loss of control, and a subsequent impact with terrain.

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