# NTSB DEN85LA036: Bell 205A-1, N5019N, Rifle, CO, December 5, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 5, 1984, 10:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Rifle, CO
- Coordinates: 39.530975, -107.770881 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.5310&lon=-107.7709&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16605
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85LA036
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16605/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA036

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS ON A SEISMIC OPERATION WHEN IT LOST ENG POWER AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED DURING THE AUTOROTATIVE LANDING. THE PLT STATED THAT WHEN HE CAME BACK ON COLLECTIVE POWER THE ENG WOULD ENTER SEVERE COMPRESSOR STALLS. POST CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE ENG, BOOST PUMPS AND FUEL FAILED TO REVEAL ANY REASON FOR ENG STALL AND SURGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5019N (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 205A-1
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 30291
- Airframe hours: 4468
- Engines: LYCOMING T5313B 1250 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 133
- Operator: Heli-Jets Inc
- Registered owner: Duininck Bro & Gilchrist
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, November 8, 1984, 38 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 8,800 total, 5,000 in this make and model, 125 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 45 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19841205067969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841205067969A), Dec 5, 1984: Bell 205A1, Rifle, CO, Substantial damage. Cycles of power loss and surges, emergency landing. Bushing for bleed air boost pump worn and improperly installed.

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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