# NTSB CHI95LA125: Bell 206B, N729CH, Horseshoe Bend, MO, April 16, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 16, 1995, 17:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Horseshoe Bend, MO
- Coordinates: 38.130359, -92.650131 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.1304&lon=-92.6501&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 24, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9868
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI95LA125
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9868/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA125

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to untie the main rotor tie-down strap prior to starting the helicopter.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, standing - starting engine(s)
  - ground tie-down rope/strap - not removed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

UPON LANDING AT HIS PRIVATE HELIPAD THE PILOT TIED DOWN THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES IN A MANNER DIFFERENT THAN USUAL.  DURING HIS PREFLIGHT FOR DEPARTURE, HE UNTIED THE SKIDS BUT FORGOT TO UNTIE THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES.  HE STARTED THE ENGINE WITH THE BLADES TIED DOWN.  ONE BLADE BROKE 3 FEET FROM THE PIVOT ATTACHMENT AND THE HELICOPTER SWUNG AROUND 90 DEGREES ON THE HELIPAD.  THE TAILBOOM AND FUSELAGE WERE ALSO DAMAGED.

## Factual narrative

On April 16, 1995, at 1730 central daylight time, a Bell 206B, N729CH, operated by a private instrument rated helicopter pilot, collided with the terrain during engine start at a private residence in Horseshoe Bend, Missouri.  The helicopter was substantially damaged and the pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight.

The helicopter was parked on a concrete helipad at the pilot's residence.  He stated he normally tied down the main rotor blade to a lamp post in front of the helicopter.  However, because of a storm approaching from the right side of the helicopter, he tied down the main rotor blades to the catwalk handrail.

He stated that when he preflighted the helicopter he untied the skid tie-downs but forgot to untie the main rotor tie-down.  He started the helicopter and when power reached 21%, he noticed the rotor blades had not turned.  He stated he immediately rolled off the throttle but that the power was already at 60% and he heard a loud "pop."  The main rotor blade had broken approximately three feet out form the pivot bolt attachment and the helicopter turned 90 degrees on the helipad.  The main rotor blade, tailboom, and fuselage were damaged.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N729CH (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206B
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 4240
- Airframe hours: 835
- Engines: ALLISON A250-C20B turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Heizer Aviation, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: ST LOUIS, MO
- Flight plan: Unknown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 2,813 total, 62 in this make and model, 2,580 as pilot in command, 59 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: AIZ

## 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 19950416008229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950416008229A), Apr 16, 1995: Bell 206B, Horseshoe Bend, MO, Substantial damage. Started engine and forgot to untie main rotor blade. Blade broke off at 60 percent power.

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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