# NTSB FTW90LA107: Bell 206BIII, N2187P, Kaplan, LA, May 8, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 8, 1990, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Kaplan, LA
- Coordinates: 29.999286, -92.280761 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.9993&lon=-92.2808&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23130
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW90LA107
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23130/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90LA107

## Probable cause

RESTRICTED MOVEMENT OF THE RIGHT SKID ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE LATERAL CENTER OF GRAVITY TO BE EXCEEDED DURING THE ATTEMPTED TAKE OFF.

## Sequence of events

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

- Roll over, takeoff
  - landing gear,skid assembly - movement restricted (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO TAKE OFF FROM A WET, MARSHY FIELD LOCATION WHEN THE RIGHT SKID WOULD NOT BREAK FREE. THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER ON ITS RIGHT SIDE. NO MECHANICAL FAILURE WAS NOTED DURING THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2187P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2187P-2021-10-07), registration cancelled 2021-10-07, S/N 3499, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206BIII
- Registry model: [Bell 206B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206b) (registry code 1181511) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Allison 250 SER 317HP](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-ser-317hp) (registry code 03011, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 3499
- Airframe hours: 6279
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20J 317 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Industrial Helicopters Inc
- Registered owner: Industrial Helicopters Inc.
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 22, 1990, 84 hours before
- Departed: NONE, VR-265, GM
- Destination: LA19, KAPLAN, LA
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; airline transport, commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine sea, single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 20,397 total, 3,500 in this make and model, 19,000 as pilot in command, 170 in the last 90 days, 45 in the last 30 days, 10 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LFT, 15 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 19900508014729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900508014729A), May 8, 1990: Bell 206B, Kapland, LA, Substantial damage. Landed on soft field for passengers physiological emergency. On attempted takeoff a skid stuck in mud. Rolled over.

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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