MD 500 down-Meeker, CO  

https://wiki.alsresume.com/index.php?title=N411WJ_MD_Helicopters_MD_500E_Aviation_Accident_2025-06-25

ASX Accident Report

On June 25, 2025, Thomas Prenzlow, a 59-year-old pilot from Meeker, Colorado, departed Meeker Airport (KEEO) in a privately operated MD Helicopters MD 500E (369E), registered as N411WJ and owned by Northwest 60 LLC of Kalispell, Montana. Prenzlow was the sole occupant of the aircraft, which was powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C20B turboshaft engine and manufactured in 2014. The flight was categorized as private, with the helicopter planned to return to its point of origin the same day.

At approximately 8:12 p.m. local time on June 25, 2025, Rio Blanco County Communications Center received a report that the helicopter had not returned as expected, prompting the activation of local search and rescue operations, including cellphone tracing and aerial searches conducted in coordination with Classic Air Medical and the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Despite extensive efforts, the aircraft was not located before nightfall. Search operations resumed at dawn on June 26, 2025, involving Coulter Aviation and family members searching on foot in areas identified through preliminary tracking data. At around 6:50 a.m., hikers reported finding the wreckage northeast of Meeker, which Coulter Aviation confirmed from the air before ground responders arrived on scene.

The helicopter was found in mountainous terrain northeast of Meeker, Colorado, with substantial damage indicating an impact consistent with a crash. Thomas Prenzlow was confirmed deceased at the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have initiated an investigation to determine causal factors, although no definitive cause has been released publicly as of this report. Preliminary information suggests the flight was en route when it was lost, and authorities have not disclosed any mechanical anomalies, weather conditions, or other operational factors directly responsible for the accident pending further examination.