# Accident 20020909025909A: Bell 206L1, Doland, SD, September 9, 2002

- Type: FAA accident report (Accident/Incident Data System), as reported
- Date: September 9, 2002, 21:52 local time
- Place: Doland, SD
- Damage: Destroyed
- Operating rules: Air taxi and commuter (Part 135)
- Operator: RMXA
- Location: 44.8539° N, 98.0403° W: From the FAA
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.8539&lon=-98.0403&mi=10
- Aircraft: N400SL, a cancelled registration (https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N400SL-2006-02-07) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry model: Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1 (registry code 1182107, https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-helicopter-textron-206l-1) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: Allison 250-C28 series (registry code 03022, https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-c28-series) (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206L1
- People aboard: 4
- Fatal injuries: 4
- NTSB investigation: [NTSB CHI02FA288](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02FA288) (OpenAirDocs)
- FAA source: FAA Aviation Safety Information Portal (https://asip.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020909025909A

## Narrative

As the FAA filed it, in capitals; the FAA replaces private details with ^PRIVACY DATA OMITTED^.

(-23) ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2002, AT APPROXIMATELY 9:52 PM CDT, A BELL HELICOPTER M/N BHT-206-L1, S/N 45235, N400SL, OPERATED BY OMNIFLIGHT HELICOPTERS INC., 135 AIR CARRIER CERTIFICATE NUMBER RMXA029H, CRASHED IN A SOY BEAN FIELD 3 MILES EAST AND 2 1/2 SOUTH OF DOLAND, SC. COMMERCIAL PILOT MASAAKI SUZUKI PILOTED THE HELICOPTER, CERTIFICATE NUMBER 2507676. THERE WERE FOUR SOULS ONBOARD, ALL RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES. THERE WERE CREWMEMBERS AND ONE WAS A PATIENT BEING TRANSFERRED TO THE HEART HOSPITAL IN SIOUX FALLS, SD (2SD6). THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED. THE AIRCRAFT WAS ON AN EMS FLIGHT FROM ABERDEEN, SD (ABR) ENROUTE TO SIOUX FALLS, SD (2SD6) UNDER CFR PART 135 WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS PREVAILED AT THE TIME AND NO VFR FLIGHT PLAN WAS FILED.

## The NTSB's investigation of this event (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB CHI02FA288](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02FA288), Sep 10, 2002: Bell 206L-1 (N400SL), Doland, SD, destroyed, 4 fatal. Probable cause: Pilot spatial disorientation while flying in dark night conditions, resulting in a loss of aircraft control; and the company's inadequate remedial actions after identifying the pilot's night flying…

## Other reports on N400SL (1)

Matched to the same aircraft by N-number and date.

- [Incident 19960613018699I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960613018699I), Jun 13, 1996: Bell 206L1 (N400SL), Madison, SD. Narrative: engine replaced on site due to excessive metal particles found on chip detector, engine high temp and engine oil temperature high readings.…

From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. For accidents, the NTSB's own investigation is the fuller record.

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