# NTSB ATL86LA194: Bell 206B, N5733X, Augusta, GA, July 11, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 10, 1986, 21:10 local (Jul 11, 1986, 01:10 UTC)
- Place: Augusta, GA
- Coordinates: 33.470157, -82.079269 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4702&lon=-82.0793&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7147
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA194
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7147/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA194

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - wire,transmission
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF FROM AN EMERGENCY LANDING ZONE, THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH POWER LINES AND MADE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING ON THE MEDIAN BETWEEN THE HIGHWAY. THE HELICOPTER WAS OPERATING AS AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES HELICOPTER AND THE PILOT WAS RESPONDING TO A CALL TO PICK UP AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT VICTIM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5733X (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206B
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 3000
- Airframe hours: 2500
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20 317 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Midstate Helicopters, doing business as [Ems]
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 10, 1986, 2 hours before
- Departed: AUGUSTA, GA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; flight instructor, commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 3,811 total, 305 in this make and model, 2,550 as pilot in command, 150 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 270° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19860710063649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860710063649A), Jul 10, 1986: Bell 206B, Augusta, GA, Substantial damage. Helicopter struck unseen powerline at night while performing a medical evacuation mission.

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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