# NTSB FTW87FA096: Bell 222, N1074T, Ben Wheeler, TX, April 15, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 15, 1987, 16:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Ben Wheeler, TX
- Coordinates: 32.409576, -95.659011 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.4096&lon=-95.6590&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 2, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22240
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87FA096
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22240/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87FA096

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - rotor drive system - fatigue (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, company maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - acft/equip,inadequate aircraft component, production/design personnel (contributing factor)
  - rotor drive system - failure,total (cause)
  - autorotation - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - rotorcraft flight control - disconnected (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
- Fire/explosion, other

## Analysis

ALL SIX LOWER STUDS ON DRIVE HUB ASSEMBLY FAILED DUE TO FATIQUE. THIS DISCONNECTED ALL CYCLIC AND COLLECTIVE CONTROLS. TAIL BOOM THEN SEPARATED DUE TO SEVERE VIBRATIONS. HELICOPTER THEN COLLIDED WITH GROUND AND WAS DESTROYED BY POST CRASH FIRE. THE PLTS FLT TIME WAS NOT REPORTED OR AVAILABLE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1074T (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 222
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 47015
- Airframe hours: 1120
- Engines: LYCOMING LTS-101-650C3 620 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: University Of Southern Ala.
- Registered owner: University Of Souther Alabama
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, April 10, 1987
- Departed: LONGVIEW, TX
- Destination: FT.WORTH, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; airline transport; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAL, 50 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 19870415009939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870415009939A), Apr 15, 1987: Bell 222, Ben Wheeler, TX, Destroyed, 2 fatal. The helicopter impacted the ground out of control. Studs on rotor control hub failed. Service bulletin not followed

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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