# NTSB FTW90LA007: Bell 206B-III, N3889W, High Island 474 (Gulf of Mexico), October 10, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 10, 1989, 12:29 local (17:29 UTC)
- Place: High Island 474 (Gulf of Mexico)
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23060
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW90LA007
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23060/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90LA007

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF WITH ONE TIE-DOWN STRAP STILL ATTACHED TO THE HELICOPTER WHICH RESULTED FROM AN INADEQUATEPREFLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Roll over, takeoff
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - tie down - not corrected (cause)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3889W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3889W-2007-01-18), registration cancelled 2007-01-18, S/N 3570 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206B-III
- Registry model: [Bell 206B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206b) (registry code 1181511) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 3570
- Airframe hours: 7651
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B 420 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Air Logistics, Incorporated
- Registered owner: Fondilier, Samuel I
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: AAIP, September 29, 1989
- Flight plan: Company VFR
- Airport: NONE, High Island A-474-A

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; airline transport; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 5,313 total, 1,354 in this make and model, 5,153 as pilot in command, 244 in the last 90 days, 81 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19891010039559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891010039559A), Oct 10, 1989: Bell 206B, Gulf Of Mexico, TX, Substantial damage. Helicopter rolled over on lifting from oil platform pad. Left rear tiedown strap was still secured.

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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