# NTSB ANC95LA115: Bell 206B, N85CA, Talkeetna, AK, July 26, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 26, 1995, 13:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Talkeetna, AK
- Coordinates: 62.450393, -149.789611 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=62.4504&lon=-149.7896&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 27, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 2695
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC95LA115
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/2695/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC95LA115

## Probable cause

THE INADVERTENT RESTRICTION OF THE ANTI-TORQUE PEDAL BY THE PILOT'S FOOT, WHILE THE PILOT (AN INCOMPLETE PARAPLEGIC) WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - tail rotor/anti-torque control - restricted, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT'S RIGHT FOOT BECAME STUCK UNDER THE RIGHT ANTI-TORQUE PEDAL DURING AN APPROACH TO A SANDBAR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO FREE HIS FOOT, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT, RESULTING IN A CRASH ONTO THE SANDBAR. FAA MEDICAL RECORDS INDICATED THAT THE PILOT WAS AN INCOMPLETE PARAPLEGIC, AND HIS MEDICAL CERTIFICATE WAS VALID FOR STUDENT PRIVILEGES ONLY. THE PILOT DID NOT REPORT ANY PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS.

## Factual narrative

On July 26, 1995, about 1300 Alaska daylight time, N85CA, a Bell 206B helicopter, operated by the owner/pilot, collided with terrain during an uncontrolled descent and was substantially damaged near Talkeetna, Alaska.  The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed.  The personal flight departed from Palmer, Alaska, and was conducted under 14 CFR 91.

According to the pilot, he was practicing an approach to landing on a sand bar when his right foot became "hooked" under the right anti-torque pedal.  The helicopter spun out of control from an altitude of about 50 feet and impacted the sand bar, causing substantial damage.  No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were reported.  The pilot stated that he is an incomplete paraplegic and holds an FAA Third Class Medical Certificate.  According to FAA records, the pilot's medical certificate is "valid for student pilot purposes only" because of his partial paralysis.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N85CA](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N85CA), registered now, S/N 101, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206B
- Registry model: [Bell 206B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206b) (registry code 1181511) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Allison 250-C20 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-c20-series) (registry code 03020, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 101
- Airframe hours: 36372
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20 317 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Frisch, Walther E.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: PALMER, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; commercial; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 4,434 total, 2,100 in this make and model, 3,900 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TKA

## 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 19950726019759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950726019759A), Jul 26, 1995: Bell 206B, Talkeetna, AK, Substantial damage. Practice approach to sand bar. Hooked foot under anti torque pedal. Spun to impact. Handicapped limited paraplegic

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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