# NTSB FTW86FA116: MBB 105, N2784E, Houma, LA, June 13, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 13, 1986, 15:55 local (20:55 UTC)
- Place: Houma, LA
- Coordinates: 29.57022, -90.700363 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.5702&lon=-90.7004&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21912
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86FA116
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21912/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86FA116

## 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,pitch change rod/link - fatigue (cause)
  - rotorcraft flight control,swashplate assembly - jammed (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, cruise - normal
  - misc rotorcraft,tail boom - separation (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

A FATIGUE FAILURE IN A MAIN ROTOR BLADE PITCH CHANGE LINK RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF ONE BLADE, LEADING TO AN IN FLIGHT SEPARATION OF THE TAIL BOOM. THE HELICOPTER WAS UNCONTROLLABLE AND PITCHED FORWARD, IMPACTING THE GROUND INVERTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2784E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2784E-2000-11-01), registration cancelled 2000-11-01, S/N S-620 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MBB 105
- Registry model: [Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm BO-105S](https://openairdocs.org/model/messerschmitt-boelkow-blohm-bo-105s) (registry code 5626006) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 620
- Airframe hours: 1040
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B 420 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Registered owner: Evergreen Equity Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, December 23, 1985, 44 hours before
- Departed: WEST DELTA 18, GM
- Destination: ABB, ABBEVILLE, LA
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 6,000 total, 157 in this make and model, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 500 ft broken
- Observed at: HUM, 5 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 19860613024479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860613024479A), Jun 13, 1986: Bolkms BO105S, Houma, LA, Destroyed. The helicopter impacted the ground out of control following tailboom separation. Metal fatigue found in pitch 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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