# NTSB ATL92LA132: Bell 206B, N2636X, Bessemer, AL, June 29, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 29, 1992, 18:42 local (23:42 UTC)
- Place: Bessemer, AL
- Coordinates: 33.440341, -86.739791 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4403&lon=-86.7398&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8624
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL92LA132
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8624/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL92LA132

## Probable cause

THE PILOTS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM WIRES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,static
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE SPRAYING HERBICIDES ALONG THE UTILITY RIGHT OF WAY, THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH THE UTILITY LINES ABOUT 150 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER FELL TO THE GROUND AND BURNED. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS OR MATERIAL FAILURE. ANOTHER HELICOPTER FROM THE COMPANY OPERATING WITHIN THE SAME AREA REPORTED THAT THERE WAS NO DISTRESS RADIO CALL RECEIVED FROM THE ACCIDENT HELICOPTER NOR WERE THERE WITNESSES TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2636X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2636X-1992-10-22), registration cancelled 1992-10-22, S/N 801 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206B
- Registry model: [Bell 206B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206b) (registry code 1181511) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 801
- Airframe hours: 8932
- Engines: ALLISON C20B 420 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Chem-Air Inc.,
- Registered owner: Chem-Air Inc.,
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: AAIP, June 6, 1992, 46 hours before
- Departed: PVT, PELHAM, AL
- Destination: PVT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 10,942 total, 3,808 in this make and model, 10,942 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 35 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 13 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BHM, 20 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 19920629022699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920629022699A), Jun 29, 1992: Bell 206B, Bessemer, AL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck powerline while spraying chemical on powerline right of way. Crashed and burned.

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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