# NTSB FTW89LA039: Bell 206L-1, N27555, S. Timbalier 75 (Gulf of Mexico), January 9, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 9, 1989, 13:13 local (19:13 UTC)
- Place: S. Timbalier 75 (Gulf of Mexico)
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 11, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22826
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89LA039
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22826/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89LA039

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER DUE TO AN UNDETERMINED FAILURE OF THE TAIL ROTOR CONTROL SYSTEM.

## 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,tail rotor control - failure,total (cause)
  - rotorcraft flight control,tail rotor control - undetermined (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - building(nonresidential)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N27555](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N27555-2013-11-04), registration cancelled 2013-11-04, S/N 45250 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206L-1
- Registry model: [Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-helicopter-textron-206l-1) (registry code 1182107) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 45250
- Airframe hours: 10216
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C28B 500 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Operator: Air Logistics
- Registered owner: Wells Forgo Leasing
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: AAIP, December 20, 1988, 92 hours before
- Departed: SHIP SHOAL 114, GM
- Destination: S. T. 161, GM
- Flight plan: Company VFR
- Airport: ST75, S.T. 75

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 2,520 total, 205 in this make and model, 1,440 as pilot in command, 158 in the last 90 days, 70 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19890109000329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890109000329A), Jan 9, 1989: Bell 206L1, South Timbalier, LA, Destroyed. Reported yaw and rudder feedback. Attempted landing on an oil rig platform. Lost control hit rig and water. Sank.

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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