# Bell UH-1L - Type: Aircraft model (FAA registry) - Registry code: 1181401 - Manufacturer (registry): BELL - Model: UH-1L - Aircraft type: Rotorcraft - Category: Rotorcraft - Engines: 1 · Turbo-shaft - Seats: 6 - Weight class: Up to 12,499 lb - Certification: Type certificated - Data sheet: [TCDS H4NM](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/H4NM) (OpenAirDocs) - Holder: Bell Textron Inc. - Registered aircraft: 1 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-uh-1l Model codes come from the FAA registry's reference file. ADs are matched to them by model name and maker. ## ADs that may apply (OpenAirDocs) Matched to this model by model name and maker. Each AD's applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or equipment. - [AD 2024-19-17](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2024-19-17): Rotorcraft flight control · Airwolf Aerospace, LLC Tension-Torsion Strap Assemblies, P/N… (STC SR03408CH). Effective Oct 11, 2024 - [AD 2023-11-07](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2023-11-07): Ground Proximity System · Airbus Helicopters 47, 206, 210 and 237 more. Effective Jun 22, 2023 - [AD 2022-20-14](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2022-20-14): Main Rotor Gearbox · Bell Textron 204B, 205A, 205A-1 and 20 more. Effective Dec 27, 2022 - [AD 2022-22-12](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2022-22-12): Nose/Tail Landing Gear Structure/Axle · Replacement crosstubes P/N D212-664 (Dart Aerospace STC SR01298NY). Effective Nov 22, 2022 - [AD 2022-21-11](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2022-21-11): Main rotor blades · Bell Textron 204B, 205A, 205A-1 and 11 more. Effective Nov 16, 2022 - [AD 2022-05-10](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2022-05-10): Cabin Equipment/Furnishings · Airbus Helicopters AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2 and 57 more. Effective Apr 20, 2022 - [AD 2022-06-05](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2022-06-05): Main Rotor System · WSH HH-1K, TH-1F, TH-1L and 11 more. Effective Mar 16, 2022 - [AD 2021-15-14](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2021-15-14): Rotorcraft Tail Boom · California Department of Forestry UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 39 more. Effective Aug 30, 2021 - [AD 2014-03-10](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2014-03-10): Tail Rotor Control System · JJASPP Engineering Services UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 35 more. Effective Mar 26, 2014 - [AD 2013-13-06](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2013-13-06): Main rotor head · California Department of Forestry UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 36 more. Effective Sep 10, 2013 - [AD 2013-13-14](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2013-13-14): Main Rotor Head · JJASPP Engineering Services UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 33 more. Effective Jul 24, 2013 - [AD 2012-17-10](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2012-17-10): Main Rotor Blades · California Department of Forestry UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 36 more. Effective Sep 28, 2012 - [AD 2012-14-12](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2012-14-12): Tail Rotor Blades · California Department of Forestry UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 36 more. Effective Sep 4, 2012 - [AD 2006-19-05](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2006-19-05): Tail rotor (T/R) slider · California Department of Forestry UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 36 more. Effective Oct 16, 2006 - [AD 2002-20-01](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2002-20-01): TT strap · Overseas Aircraft Support UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 34 more. Effective Nov 6, 2002 - [AD 2002-13-51](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2002-13-51): Tail Rotor (T/R) Grip · Overseas Aircraft Support UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 34 more. Effective Aug 19, 2002 - [AD 2002-01-31](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2002-01-31): Retirement Index Number (RIN) for Masts · Overseas Aircraft Support UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 36 more. Effective Mar 8, 2002 - [AD 2000-15-21 R1](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2000-15-21-R1): Main Rotor Mast Assemblies · Overseas Aircraft Support UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 33 more. Effective Nov 22, 2000 - [AD 99-25-12](https://openairdocs.org/ad/99-25-12): Tailboom Vertical Fin Spar · California Department of Forestry UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 31 more. Effective Jan 11, 2000 - [AD 99-07-15](https://openairdocs.org/ad/99-07-15): Tail Rotor Yoke · Arrow Falcon Exporters UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 33 more. Effective May 3, 1999 - [AD 97-01-06](https://openairdocs.org/ad/97-01-06): Tail Rotor Slider · Arrow Falcon Exporters UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 32 more. Effective Feb 13, 1997 - [AD 96-12-26](https://openairdocs.org/ad/96-12-26): Clean and Inspect Tail Rotor Blade · Arrow Falcon Exporters UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 36 more. Effective Sep 23, 1996 - [AD 95-10-08](https://openairdocs.org/ad/95-10-08): Tail Rotor Control System · Arrow Falcon Exporters UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 34 more. Effective May 26, 1995 - [AD 94-22-09](https://openairdocs.org/ad/94-22-09): Tail Rotor Driveshaft · Arrow Falcon Exporters UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 34 more. Effective Nov 22, 1994 - [AD 90-03-10](https://openairdocs.org/ad/90-03-10): Tail Rotor Grips · Arrow Falcon Exporters UH-1H, UH-1F, 204B and 33 more. Effective Oct 18, 1991 - [AD 90-10-05](https://openairdocs.org/ad/90-10-05): Tail Rotor Gearbox · Bell Helicopter Textron TH-1L, UH-1E, UH-1L and 17 more. Effective Jun 5, 1990 - [AD 89-08-06](https://openairdocs.org/ad/89-08-06): Transmission Internal Sump Oil Filter · AST UH-1F, TH-1L, UH-1E and 22 more. Effective Feb 7, 1990 - [AD 88-25-05](https://openairdocs.org/ad/88-25-05): Tail Rotor Grip Assembly · AST UH-1F, 204B, 205A and 25 more. Effective Dec 13, 1988 - [AD 88-08-01](https://openairdocs.org/ad/88-08-01): Rod End Bearing Assembly · Bell Helicopter Textron TH-1L, UH-1E, UH-1L and 5 more. Effective May 6, 1988 Historical (superseded or no longer in force): - [AD 2021-23-13](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2021-23-13) (historical): Ground Proximity System · Airbus Helicopters K-225, K-190A, K-240 and 237 more. Effective Dec 9, 2021 - [AD 2021-15-52](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2021-15-52) (historical): Main Rotor System · Arrow Falcon Exporters UH-1H, UH-1F, TH-1L and 39 more. Effective Aug 13, 2021 - [AD 80-17-09](https://openairdocs.org/ad/80-17-09) (historical): Main Rotor Straps · Bell Helicopter Textron 204B, 205A-1, 212 and 16 more. Effective Sep 15, 1980 ## Information bulletins (advisory) (4) - [SAIB SW-18-29R1](https://openairdocs.org/saib/SW-18-29R1): Rotorcraft Tail Boom, Attach Structure Failure. Issued Feb 19, 2019 - [SAIB SW-18-29](https://openairdocs.org/saib/SW-18-29) (historical): Rotorcraft Tail Boom, Attach Structure Failure. Issued Oct 1, 2018 - [SAIB SW-06-64](https://openairdocs.org/saib/SW-06-64): . Issued Aug 17, 2006 - [SAIB SW-05-37](https://openairdocs.org/saib/SW-05-37): . Issued Mar 17, 2005 ## Registered aircraft (1) - [N271GH](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N271GH): [American Huey 369 Inc](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/AMERICAN%20HUEY%20369%20INC), [Peru, IN](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/IN/Peru), S/N 151271 ## NTSB investigations (9) 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 FTW98LA405](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA405), Sep 19, 1998: Bell UH-1L (N5107J), Price, UT, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inadvertent loss of tail rotor effectiveness. Factors were the high density altitude flight conditions, the unfavorable wind condition, and the none suitable terrain for an autorotation. - [NTSB SEA95LA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA95LA221), Sep 18, 1995: Bell UH-1L (N70410), Grace, ID, destroyed. Probable cause: the fatigue failure of the centrifugal impeller and the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing. Factors contributing to the accident were: the lack of required compliance with the FAA… - [NTSB LAX95LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA030), Nov 1, 1994: Bell UH-1E (N5088J), Willits, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: that the pilot misjudged the distance between the helicopter and the trees. - [NTSB LAX94LA208](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA208), May 2, 1994: Bell UH-1L (N204RW), Pleasant Grove, CA, destroyed. Probable cause: the pilot's failure to see and avoid the power lines due to sun glare from the rising sun at dawn. - [NTSB LAX90DUJ05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DUJ05), Nov 4, 1989: Bell UH-1E (N138US), Mesa, AZ, destroyed. Probable cause: THE INFLIGHT SEPARATION OF THE TAIL ROTOR DUE TO IMPROPER MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES AND THE INSTALLATION OF INCORRECT ATTACHMENT HARDWARE ON THE TAIL ROTOR BLADE PITCH CHANGE LINKAGES. - [NTSB SEA89FA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89FA111), Jun 14, 1989: Oregon Helicopters UH-1L (N157LC), Baring, WA, destroyed. Probable cause: FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE TAIL ROTOR 42 DEGREE GEAR BOX DUE TO PILOT INDUCED OVERSTRESS. NAVY DATA AND FAA TYPE CERTIFICATE LIMITATIONS WERE NOT ADHERED TO. - [NTSB ATL89FA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA130), Apr 17, 1989: Bell UH-1E (N118HS), Aiken, SC, substantial damage. Probable cause: IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A TAIL ROTOR PITCH CHANGE CROSSHEAD RETENTION BOLT BY THE COMPANY MECHANIC, WHICH RESULTED IN LOOSENING OF THE BOLT AND EVENTUAL FAILURE OF THE TAIL ROTOR ASSEMBLY/BLADE AND… - [NTSB SEA88LA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA143), Aug 4, 1988: Bell UH-1E (N151LC), North Bend, OR, substantial damage - [NTSB SEA86FA137](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86FA137), May 31, 1986: Bell UH-1L (N4964N), Wenatchee, WA, destroyed, 1 fatal ## FAA accident and incident reports (12) 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. - [Accident 19980919025679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980919025679A), Sep 19, 1998: Bell UH1L (N5107J), Price, UT, Substantial damage. (.19) On September 19, 1998, approximately 1530 mountain daylight time, a Bell UH-1L, N5107J, was substantially damaged following impact with terrain after the… - [Accident 19950918029149A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950918029149A), Sep 18, 1995: Bell UH1L (N70410), Grace, ID, Destroyed. Explosion and flames from tailpipe while lifting logs. Dropped load. Autorotated to hard landing. Impeller ejected. - [Accident 19941031048179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19941031048179A), Oct 31, 1994: Bell UH1E (N5088J), Willits, CA, Substantial damage. Dropped log. Began climbout. Tailrotor gear box hit a tree. Autorotated to hard landing. - [Accident 19940502010429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940502010429A), May 2, 1994: Bell UH1E (N204RW), Pleasant Grove, CA, Destroyed. Flew into power lines on a spray run lost control. Rolled on ground impact. Blamed rising sun obscured powerline. - [Incident 19900906038789I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900906038789I), Sep 6, 1990: Bell UH1E (N9770N), Windham, ME, Minor damage. Engine failure inflight. Emergency autorotation into a lightly wooded area. - [Accident 19891104044199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891104044199A), Nov 4, 1989: Bell UH1E (N138US), Mesa, AZ, Destroyed. Tail rotor pitch change bolt failed and rotor assembly tore off. Crashed in uncontrolled turn and rolled over. - [Incident 19890916056689I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890916056689I), Sep 16, 1989: Bell UH1E (N138US), Gilbert, AZ, Minor damage. Malfunction in helicopters collective system. Forced landing. A loose collective hydraulic servo fell off mount. - [Accident 19890614015569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890614015569A), Jun 14, 1989: Bell UH1L (N157LC), Baring, WA, Destroyed. Vibration. Dropped load, hovered prior landing. Began right spin autorotated and crashed. Tail rotor gears stripped - [Accident 19890417008259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890417008259A), Apr 17, 1989: Bell UH1E (N118HS), Aiken, SC, Substantial damage. Tail rotor 90 degrees gear box and tail rotor separated at low altitude. Control lost hit trees. - [Accident 19880804039629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880804039629A), Aug 4, 1988: Bell UH1E (N151LC), North Bend, OR, Substantial damage. Autorotated into rough terrain after apparent power malfunction. Tail rotor gearbox case ruptured due fatigue. - [Incident 19880803039359I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880803039359I), Aug 3, 1988: Bell UH1L (N157LC), Skykomish, WA, Substantial damage. Pilot lost control of helicopter when the tail rotor system failed. Found a faulty worn gear in tail rotor gear box - [Accident 19860531019929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860531019929A), May 31, 1986: Bell UH1M (N4964N), Wenatchee, WA, Destroyed. The helicopter impacted trees after losing control. Corrosion in the 42 degree gearbox caused metal fatigue. ## Service difficulty reports (2) As reported by operators and repair stations, by the model named in the report. - [SDR 20010613CW024](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/20010613CW024), Apr 2, 2001: SPAR. CRACKED. FATIGUE CRACK OCCURRED ON RIGHT HAND VERTICAL FIN SPAR MEMBER APPROXIMATELY .5 INCH FORWARD OF THE 90 DEGREE GEARBOX ATTACH FITTING. THIS CRACK WAS DETECTED DUR - [SDR 95ZZZX6242](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/95ZZZX6242), Sep 18, 1995: IMPELLER. FAILED. DURING ENGINE OPERATION, CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR IMPELLER FAILED CAUSING UNCONTAINED PARTS EXITING FROM ENGINE COMPRESSOR SPOOL CORE DURING FLIGHT. THIS UNCONTAI ## STCs that may be installed (OpenAirDocs) (11) Approved for this model: the STC's model list names it on its data sheet, or a series that includes it. In force first, then newest. The registry doesn't record which STCs an aircraft has. - [STC SR12332SE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SR12332SE): Installation of Mechanical Specialties, LLC Human External Cargo (HEC) and non-HEC Hook System. Mechanical Specialties, LLC - [STC SR00119DE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SR00119DE): Installation of an upgraded 42 degree Tail Rotor gearbox, P/N 212-040-003, and Control Cables. Midwest Aerospace TC LLC - [STC SR09177RC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SR09177RC): Modification of the vertical fin spar. Midwest Aerospace TC LLC - [STC SR02596SE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SR02596SE): Installation of Olympic Aero Services, Inc. Additional Telemetry Unit (ATU). OLYMPIC AERO SERVICES INC - [STC SR03408CH](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SR03408CH): Install Airwolf Aerospace, LLC Tension-Torsion Strap Assemblies, P/N AA-204-310-101-101 or AA-204-310-101-103. Airwolf Aerospace LLC - [STC SR02413LA](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SR02413LA): Installation of an AKV, Inc Exceedence and Trend Monitoring System kit P/N ETM1000. AKV Inc - [STC ST04270AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/ST04270AT): Install the VTOL ASSALT V3 Windscreen Laminate Kit. VTOL LLC - [STC SR09316RC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SR09316RC): Fabrication, modification, and installation of a new vertical fin spar in accordance with Global Helicopter Technology, Inc., Drawing number VTF-030-801, Revision B, dated April 5, 2001, or later FAA approved revision. Global Spar LLC - [STC SR01298NY](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SR01298NY): Installation of replacement crosstubes P/N D212-664. Dart Aerospace Limited - [STC SR00563NY](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SR00563NY): Installation of Skidtubes and associated saddles. Dart Aerospace Limited - [STC SR00332NY](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SR00332NY): Installation of Avionics Specialties power analyzer and recorder no. SL17009 and SL17061. 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