# NTSB ATL87LA121: Bell UH-1B, N88987, Bay Minette, AL, April 21, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 21, 1987, 09:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Bay Minette, AL
- Coordinates: 30.879116, -87.769294 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.8791&lon=-87.7693&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 19, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7416
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87LA121
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7416/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87LA121

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, hover
  - compressor assembly - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - autorotation - initiated, pilot in command
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

DURING A LOGGING OPERATION, THE HELICOPTER EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE SHORTLY AFTER ATTEMPTING A PICKUP. THE PILOT ENTERED AN AUTOROTATIVE GLIDE. THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED THE WATER AND SANK. THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION DISCLOSED THAT THE COMPRESSOR TURBINE HAD SHIFTED FROM ITS NORMALLY INSTALLED POSITION WHICH CAUSED THE POWER FAILURE. THE ENGINE HAD ABOUT 980 HOURS SINCE IT'S LAST OVERHAUL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N88987](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N88987-2013-05-17), registration cancelled 2013-05-17, S/N 61-0724, built 1961 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL UH-1B
- Registry model: [Bell UH-1B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-uh-1b) (registry code 1181410) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming T-53 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-t-53-series) (registry code 41552, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 304724
- Airframe hours: 7000
- Engines: LYCOMING T-53-L-11 1100 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Other work use, Part 133
- Operator: Pacific Helicopter,Inc.
- Registered owner: Pacific Helicopter Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 13,000 total, 3,500 in this make and model, 270 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 97 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: MOB, 35 nm away

## 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 19870421061429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870421061429A), Apr 21, 1987: Bell UH1B, Bay Minette, GA, Destroyed. The helicopter lost engine power during hover, landed in a marsh and rolled over. Turbine compressor had failed.

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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