# NTSB FTW85FA287: Bell 206L-1, N32GT, Saginaw, TX, July 15, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 15, 1985, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Saginaw, TX
- Coordinates: 32.909519, -97.43087 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9095&lon=-97.4309&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious, 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21563
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85FA287
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21563/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85FA287

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - visual lookout - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER HAD LANDED IN THE ROAD TO PICK UP AN INJURED AUTO ACCIDENT PATIENT. THE PLT MADE AN AERIAL CHECK PRIOR TO LANDING TO THE WEST IN A CALM WIND CONDITION. THE PATIENT WAS LOADED IN A SECURE STRETCHER AND ALL WAS READY FOR LIFTOFF. THE PLT STATED HE DID NOT OBSERVE THE TELEPHONE LINES ACROSS THE ROAD. THE HELICOPTER CONTACTED THE LINES ON THE ENGINE NACELLE COWLING WITH THE WIRES CONTINUING UP THE ROTOR MAST CAUSING THE PITCH CHANGE LINKS TO SEPARATE CAUSING LOSS OF HELICOPTER CONTROL AND RESULTING IN SURFACE IMPACT WITH THE ROAD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N32GT](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N32GT-2013-05-13), registration cancelled 2013-05-13, S/N 45663, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Bell 206L-1
- Registry model: [Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-helicopter-textron-206l-1) (registry code 1182107) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Allison 250 SER 250HP](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-ser-250hp) (registry code 03002, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 45663
- Airframe hours: 8195
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C-28 435 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Execucopter, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: AAIP, June 30, 1985, 25 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 11,015 total, 605 in this make and model, 11,000 as pilot in command, 14 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 95 °F

## 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 19850715037629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850715037629A), Jul 15, 1985: Bell 206L1, Saginaw, TX, Destroyed. After liftoff on ambulance flight, aircraft struck telephone lines. Impacted ground with minimum control.

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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