# NTSB FTW85LA262: Bell 206L-1, N1086Q, Ship Shoal Blk, June 22, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 22, 1985, 13:55 local (18:55 UTC)
- Place: Ship Shoal Blk
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21778
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA262
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21778/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA262

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - object - utility pole (contributing factor)
  - light condition - daylight (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - rotor drive system,engine to transmission drive - separation (contributing factor)
  - rotor drive system,tail rotor drive shaft bearing - separation (contributing factor)
  - window,cabin - separation (contributing factor)
  - fuselage,cabin - separation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD LANDED ON THE OFFSHORE PLATFORM AND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF REPOSITIONING THE HELICOPTER TO ONE SIDE OF THE LANDING PAD TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR ANOTHER AIRCRAFT WHEN THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK A 3' STEEL SIGN POST. THEBLADE SEPARATED INTO THREE PIECES. THIS CAUSED A SEVERE OUT-OF-BALANCE CONDITION OF THE MAIN ROTOR SYSTEM AND RESULTED IN THE TRANSMISSION BEING PULLED OUT OF THE AIRFRAME AND THE UPPER PORTION OF THE CABIN AND THE TAIL BOOM SEPARATION FROM THE AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1086Q (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206L-1
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 45431
- Airframe hours: 5699
- Engines: ALLISON 250C-28B 435 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 135
- Registered owner: Offshore Logistics, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: AAIP, June 15, 1985, 27 hours before
- Departed: SHP SHOAL BLK, GM
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 5,875 total, 1,073 in this make and model, 5,875 as pilot in command, 181 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 75 °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 19850622027239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850622027239A), Jun 22, 1985: Bell 206L1, Ship Shoal, LA, Destroyed. While sliding aircraft on pad main rotor struck a sign. Main rotor, transmission and other parts fell overboard.

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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