# NTSB FTW83FA043: Bell 206B, N144AL, Buccaneer Oil F, November 22, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 22, 1982, 10:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Buccaneer Oil F
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report November 22, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70067
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83FA043
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70067/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83FA043

## 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, cruise - normal
  - reduction gear assy,accessory drive bearing - incorrect (cause)
  - reduction gear assy,accessory drive bearing - fatigue (cause)
  - reduction gear assy,accessory drive bearing - failure,total (cause)
  - reduction gear assy,accessory drive bearing - disabled (cause)
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - adequate rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS FOUND FLOATING INVERTED ABOUT 1.5 MI FROM THE POINT OF DEPARTURE. THE TAILBOOM HAD SEPARATED & THERE WAS EVIDENCE THAT THE M/R BLADES HAD STRUCK THE TAILBOOM. THE WINDSHIELD & CHIN BUBBLE WAS BROKEN OUT. AN OIL PUMP GEAR TOOTH WAS FOUND ADHERING TO THE LOWER CHIP DETECTOR PLUG. THE OIL PUMP HAD 3 TEETH MISSING FROM A GEAR. THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF A SMOOTH ROUND OBJECT GOING THROUGH THE PUMP & JAMMING THE GEAR TEETH. THE BALL SEPARATOR GAGE FOR A BEARING (MRC P/N 6859435-G) HAD BROKEN APART ALLOWING BALLS TO FALL OUT. THE GEAR WHICH DRIVES THE FUEL CONTROL & OIL PUMP THEN MOVED SIDEWAYS FAR ENOUGH TO BECOME UNCOUPLED FROM ITS DRIVE GEAR. THE SEVEN TANGS ON ONE-HALF OF THE BALL SEPARATOR CAGE HAD SEPARATED. THE SEPARATED BEARING WAS NOT AN AUTHORIZED TYPE FOR USE IN THIS ENGINE. THE ENGINE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A COMMERCIAL ENGINE BULLETIN DATED 9/30/82 CALLING FOR ALL UNAUTHORIZED BEARINGS TO BE REMOVED FROM SPARE STOCK & SCRAPPED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N144AL (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206B
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2096
- Airframe hours: 5190
- Engines: ALLISON 250C-20 317 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Air Logistics
- Registered owner: Bamerilease Capital Corp.
- Departed: GALVESTON BLK.2, GM
- Destination: C, GALVESTON, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 6,887 total, 3,504 in this make and model, 4,534 as pilot in command, 115 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19821122059649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821122059649A), Nov 22, 1982: Bell 206B, Buccaneer, TX, Substantial damage. Engine failed and a hard nose low contact with water was made. Ball separator cage mounted on gear shaft broke.

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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