# NTSB FTW86LRG01: Bell 206B, N376EH, Port O'Conner, TX, October 23, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: October 23, 1985, 09:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Port O'Conner, TX
- Coordinates: 28.440965, -96.48954 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.4410&lon=-96.4895&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22147
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86LRG01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22147/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LRG01

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - fuel system,fuel control - disabled (cause)
  - fuel system,line - disconnected (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE ACFT ROLLED OVER AFTER A FORCED LNDG DUE TO LOSS OF POWER. THE ENG LOST ABOUT 60 PERCENT OF ITS POWER DURING CRUISE AT ABOUT 250 FT AGL. POST ACC INSPECTION SHOWED THAT FUEL LINE P/N 685481 B-NUT HAD BACKED OFF THE FUEL CONTROL END OF LINE 250C20 IPC. THE LAST MAJOR ENG MAINTENANCE WAS A TURBINE CHANGE ON 3/3/85. THE LAST HEAVY INSPECTION WAS ON 10-11-85. THE ACFT FLEW 47.5 HRS AFTER THAT INSPECTION BEFORE THIS FUEL LINE DISCONNECTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N376EH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N376EH-1990-03-01), registration cancelled 1990-03-01, S/N 1436 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206B
- Registry model: [Bell 206B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206b) (registry code 1181511) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1436
- Airframe hours: 5320
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20 317 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Era Helicopters, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 11, 1985, 48 hours before
- Departed: PORT O'CONNOR, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 2,769 total, 452 in this make and model, 2,707 as pilot in command, 228 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19851023052949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851023052949A), Oct 23, 1985: Bell 206B, Port O Connor, TX, Substantial damage. Engine lost power during cruise. Autorotation to area of sand dunes and gullies. Air sensing line disconnected.

## Other investigations on N376EH (1)

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.

- [NTSB FTW80FA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW80FA040), Feb 9, 1980: Bell 206B (N376EH), Friendswood, TX, substantial damage, 1 fatal

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.