# NTSB ATL85FA272: MBB BK-117A-1, N117SR, Aiken, SC, September 9, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 9, 1985, 12:04 local (16:04 UTC)
- Place: Aiken, SC
- Coordinates: 33.539955, -81.719604 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.5400&lon=-81.7196&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 6 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6638
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85FA272
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6638/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85FA272

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s)
  - altitude - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - insufficient standards/requirements, company/operator mgmt (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - excessive, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - excessive workload (task overload), pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - company-induced pressure, company/operator management (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in aircraft's ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

PLT WAS MANEUVERING HELICOPTER AT LOW ALT AND INTO RISING TERRAIN. ON 3RD RIGHT TURN RACETRACK PATTERN, WITNESSES OBSERVED ACFT DESCEND SLIGHTLY, ROLL INTO A 45 DEG OR GREATER BANK AND CONTACT TREES. THE ACFT STARTED A YAWING ROTATION TO THE RIGHT AND CONTACTED THE GROUND AT ABOUT A 35 DEG ANGLE OF DESCENT WHILE TRAVELING BACKWARD. ALL SEVEN OCCUPANTS SUCCESSFULLY EXITED THE ACFT THROUGH THE RIGHT DOORS. THIS WAS A SINGLE PLT OPERATION AND THE TASK LOAD AND MISSION PRESSURES WERE HIGH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N117SR (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: MBB BK-117A-1
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 7019
- Engines: LYCOMING LTS-101-650B1 600 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Public aircraft, Part 91
- Operator: Wackenhut Services, Inc.
- Registered owner: U.S. Department Of Energy
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Transport
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 27, 1985, 67 hours before
- Departed: PVT, AIKEN, SC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 2,855 total, 143 in this make and model, 2,456 as pilot in command, 34 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: AGS, 21 nm away

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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