# NTSB FTW85FA044: Bell 206L-1, N514EH, E Cameron Blk 2, November 12, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 12, 1984, 08:40 local (14:40 UTC)
- Place: E Cameron Blk 2
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 3 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21506
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85FA044
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21506/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85FA044

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff
  - turboshaft engine - undetermined (cause)
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- Ditching, descent - emergency
  - misc rotorcraft,emergency floatation gear - engaged
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - rotor rpm - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - water,rough

## Analysis

TOTAL LOSS OF PWR OCCURRED JUST AFTER LIFT OFF FROM 130 FT HIGH DRILL RIG PLATFORM IN GULF OF MEXICO. PLT ENTERED AUTOROTATION BUT TOUCHDOWN WAS HARD DURING DITCHING RESULTING IN A ROLL OVER. POST ACCIDENT TESTING DID NOT REVEAL ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. EMERGENCY FLOATATION GEAR DID NOT FULLY INFLATE UNTIL THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER

## Aircraft

- Registration: N514EH (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Bell 206L-1
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 45358
- Airframe hours: 3727
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C28B 435 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Registered owner: Era Helicopters, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 2, 1984, 20 hours before
- Departed: PEN, E CAMERON BLK 2, GM
- Destination: CAMERON, LA
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; flight instructor, airline transport; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 3,992 total, 805 in this make and model, 3,724 as pilot in command, 205 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 41 °F, dew point 39 °F
- 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 19841112064529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841112064529A), Nov 12, 1984: Bell 206L1, E Cameron Blk 2, LA, Substantial damage. Torque fluctuation followed by engine out after liftoff. Impacted water and rolled over. Contaiminated fuel system.

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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