# NTSB BFO90DOA01: Bell TH-1L, N152RR, Galax, VA, August 1, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: August 1, 1990, 19:15 local (23:15 UTC)
- Place: Galax, VA
- Coordinates: 36.760837, -80.729789 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7608&lon=-80.7298&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 12, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11535
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO90DOA01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11535/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO90DOA01

## Probable cause

THE LOST OF ENGINE POWER BECAUSE OF A COMPRESSOR STALL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - aerial application
  - compressor assembly - stall
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Propeller/rotor contact to person, landing
  - terrain condition - none suitable
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS AERIAL SPRAYING AT 100 AGL. THE AIRSPEED WAS 33 MPH. WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE TOTAL POWER LOSS OCCURRED. THE PLT DID AN AUTOROTATION AND LANDED IN TREES. THE INVESTIGATION DID NOT REVEAL EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N152RR](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N152RR-2013-05-09), registration cancelled 2013-05-09, S/N 157845, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL TH-1L
- Registry model: [Bell TH-1L](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-th-1l) (registry code 1180817) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming T53-L-13](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-t53-l-13) (registry code 41551, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 157845
- Airframe hours: 7739
- Engines: LYCOMING T53-L-13B 1400 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 137
- Operator: Ranger Helicopters Services
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 20, 1990, 27 hours before
- Departed: HLX, HILLSVILLE, VA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 3,698 total, 1,600 in this make and model, 3,000 as pilot in command, 144 in the last 90 days, 48 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ROA, 68 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 19900801033739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900801033739A), Aug 1, 1990: Bell TH1L, Hillsville, VA, Substantial damage. Engine quit while spraying powerline right of way. Autorotated into trees. No cause for power loss in report.

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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