# NTSB ANC92FA040: Bell 214B-1, N814RM, Hobart Bay, AK, February 23, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 23, 1992, 15:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Hobart Bay, AK
- Location: 57.4052° N, 133.4132° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Hobart Bay, AK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=57.4052&lon=-133.4132&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 6 fatal, 5 serious
- Status: Completed, report August 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5640
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC92FA040
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5640/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC92FA040

## Probable cause

SEPARATION OF THE TAIL ROTOR AND 90 DEGREE GEARBOX DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES/DIRECTIVES WHICH RESULTED IN THE EXTERNAL LOAD CABLE BECOMING ENTANGLED IN THE TAIL ROTOR. FACTORS WERE THE TURBULENT WEATHER AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.

## Analysis

THE PILOT IN COMMAND HAD A MECHANIC ATTACH A 30 FOOT CHOKER CABLE TO THE EXTERNAL CARGO HOOK SO THAT WHEN HE CAME TO A HOVER TO PICK UP PASSENGERS, THE CABLE WOULD TOUCH THE GROUND AND DISSIPATE THE STATIC ELECTRICITY. AFTER PICKING UP THE LAST TIMBER CUTTERS, EN ROUTE TO BASE CAMP, THE HELICOPTER FLEW THROUGH TURBULENCE AND A PASSENGER IN THE CABIN YELLED. THE PILOT TURNED TO LOOK AT THE PASSENGER, LOOKED FORWARD, HEARD A BANG AND EXPERIENCED A YAW.  THE TAIL ROTOR AND 90 DEGREE GEARBOX SEPARATED FROM THE HELICOPTER AND HE AUTOROTATED INTO TALL TREES.  SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION SHOWED THE MARKS IN THE TAILROTOR BLADE MATCHED THE SOCKET SHAPE AT THE END OF THE CABLE.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - external load sling/harness - entangled (cause)
  - rotor drive system,tail rotor gearbox(90 deg) - separation (cause)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
  - terrain condition - none suitable

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N814RM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N814RM-1995-01-30), registration cancelled 1995-01-30, S/N 28067 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 214B-1
- Registry model: [Bell 214B-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-214b-1) (registry code 1182105) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 28067
- Airframe hours: 6675
- Engines: LYCOMING T-5508D 2930 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 133
- Operator: Rmh Aerologging
- Registered owner: Rmh Aeromedical, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: AAIP, February 20, 1992, 12 hours before
- Departed: FIELD SITE, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 16,335 total, 7,811 in this make and model, 16,335 as pilot in command, 243 in the last 90 days, 172 in the last 30 days, 10 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 43 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19920223003299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920223003299A), Feb 23, 1992: Bell 214B1, Hobart Bay, AK, Destroyed, 6 fatal. Due to static electricity attached 30 foot cable to cargo hook. Hit air pocket, yawed 90 degree, crashed into trees

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.

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