Fatal Accident (1) – Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, N118LG, South of Ririe, ID, February 20, 2025
ASX Investigation | ||||
On February 20, 2025, at approximately 4:40 PM, a Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopter registered as N118LG crashed onto the ice at Ririe Reservoir, east of Idaho Falls, Idaho. The helicopter was carrying two occupants at the time of the incident. Emergency responders, including the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Falls Fire Department, Jefferson Central Fire, and Idaho Fish and Game, were dispatched to the crash site. The helicopter was located more than a mile east of the dam, and upon arrival, first responders found one occupant deceased at the scene while the other was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The accident site presented hazardous conditions due to unstable ice and downed power lines in the vicinity. Rescue operations were executed via snow machines deployed from the Juniper Campground area. The presence of a severed power line near the crash site was noted by investigators, though its role in the accident remains under examination. The wreckage was secured by law enforcement, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were notified to initiate an official investigation into the incident. Eyewitness reports and preliminary assessments suggest that the helicopter may have made contact with power lines before crashing onto the reservoir’s ice surface. Sergeant Bryan Lovell of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office indicated that there is only one known location where a major power line crosses the area. Whether the aircraft struck the line prior to impact is a key factor under scrutiny. Investigators are expected to analyze flight tracking data, communication records, and physical evidence from the wreckage to determine the precise sequence of events leading to the crash. The identity of the deceased occupant has not been publicly released pending notification of next of kin. The surviving occupant’s statements are expected to provide critical information regarding the final moments before impact. Additionally, weather conditions at the time of the crash were relatively stable, with no severe wind or precipitation reported, which suggests that external environmental factors may not have played a primary role in the accident. The helicopter involved in the crash, a Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, is a modern light single-engine rotorcraft known for its advanced avionics and reliability. The aircraft was registered to Bell 505 LLC, and its operational history will be reviewed as part of the investigation. Maintenance records, pilot qualifications, and recent flight activity will be examined to identify any potential mechanical or human factors contributing to the incident. In response to the crash, authorities have temporarily restricted access to Ririe Reservoir due to the hazardous conditions posed by the downed power lines and unstable ice. Search and rescue teams, along with drone surveillance, have been deployed to further assess the site and document evidence before recovery operations proceed. Investigators are expected to take several weeks to analyze the collected data before publishing a preliminary report. As the NTSB and FAA continue their inquiries, aviation experts will examine whether operational errors, technical malfunctions, or external obstructions such as power lines were primary causal factors. The final report will provide recommendations to enhance aviation safety and prevent similar accidents in the future. Until then, authorities advise the public to avoid the restricted area while recovery and investigation efforts continue. This incident highlights the importance of situational awareness and obstacle avoidance in low-altitude flight operations. Pilots operating near known infrastructure hazards must exercise heightened caution to mitigate the risk of unintended collisions. The aviation community will closely monitor the findings of this investigation to integrate lessons learned into improved safety protocols and regulatory measures. | ||||
Accident Information | ||||
Approx. Accident Location | Aircraft Fatalities 1 | Ground Fatalities 0 | Injured 1 |  |
Aircraft Information | ||||
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