# NTSB FTW86FA016: Bell 222A, N5013H, Charenton, LA, October 17, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 17, 1985, 09:15 local (14:15 UTC)
- Place: Charenton, LA
- Coordinates: 29.880306, -91.470176 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.8803&lon=-91.4702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 5 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21875
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86FA016
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21875/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86FA016

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - rotorcraft flight control,rotating scissors - disconnected (cause)
  - maintenance,aaip/progressive program - inadequate, company maintenance personnel (cause)
  - diverted attention, company maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER HAD JUST COMPLETED A PHASE TWO CHECK, TWENTY MINUTES INTO THE FLIGHT THE OCCUPANTS HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND A SEVERE ONE-TO-ONE VIBRATION ENSUED. A SUCCESSFUL EMERGENCY LANDING WAS PERFORMED. EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT ONE SWASH PLATE DRIVE LINK HAD DISCONNECTED. THE MECHANIC STATED HE HAD FORGOTTEN TO TORQUE AND SAFETY A RETAINING NUT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5013H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5013H-1999-08-18), registration cancelled 1999-08-18, S/N 47010 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Bell 222A
- Registry model: [Bell 222](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-222) (registry code 1182122) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 47010
- Airframe hours: 2894
- Engines: LYCOMING LTS 101-650C2 620 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Petroleum Helicopters Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: AAIP, October 15, 1985, 1 hours before
- Departed: PHI, LAFAYETTE, LA
- Destination: 7R3, MORGAN CITY, LA
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 6,194 total, 1,618 in this make and model, 4,257 as pilot in command, 116 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 75 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: 7R3, 12 nm away

## 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 19851017054319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851017054319A), Oct 17, 1985: Bell 222, Charenton, LA, Substantial damage. Damaged by severe inflight vibration, but landed safely. Mechanic forgot to safety nut on swash plate drive link.

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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