# NTSB FTW91FA016: MBB BO 105CB4, N3536T, Cameron, LA, November 19, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 19, 1990, 07:33 local (13:33 UTC)
- Place: Cameron, LA
- Coordinates: 29.790365, -93.289634 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.7904&lon=-93.2896&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report December 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23237
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91FA016
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23237/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91FA016

## Probable cause

THE COMPANY'S MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL'S FAILURE TO INSTALL THE CYCLIC INTERCONNECT TUBE AND THEIR FAILURE TO INSPECT THE HELICOPTER PRIOR TO FLIGHT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - rotorcraft flight control,cyclic control rod - not installed (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, company maintenance personnel (cause)
  - aircraft control - not possible, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT LIFTED THE HELICOPTER OFF THE HELIPAD AND IT WAS OBSERVED TO TURN TO THE RIGHT. IT THEN CLIMBED TO APPROXIMATELY THIRTY FEET AND NOSE SLOWLY DOWNWARD BEFORE IT ROLLED TO THE RIGHT AND DESCENDED UNCONTROLLED TO IMPACT THE TERRAIN AND SEVERAL CARS IN AN ADJACENT PARKING LOT. THE PILOT WAS THROWN FROM THE COCKPIT WHEN HIS SEATBELT FAILED. HE WAS NOT WEARING A SHOULDER HARNESS. POST-ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT COMPANY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL HAD NOT INSTALLED THE CYCLIC INTERCONNECT TUBE AFTER THE DUAL CONTROLS WERE REMOVED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3536T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3536T-1991-05-23), registration cancelled 1991-05-23, S/N S189 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MBB BO 105CB4
- Registry model: [Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm-Gm BO-105C](https://openairdocs.org/model/messerschmitt-boelkow-blohm-gm-bo-105c) (registry code 5626005) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: S-189
- Airframe hours: 6057
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B 420 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Operator: Petroleum Helicopters, Inc.
- Registered owner: Rts Helicopter Leasing Corp.
- Last inspection: AAIP, November 15, 1990, 4 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 9,848 total, 2,431 in this make and model, 5,581 as pilot in command, 268 in the last 90 days, 86 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 64 °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 19901119051039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901119051039A), Nov 19, 1990: Bolkms BO105CB*, Cameron, LA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Lost control after liftoff. Spun to right,climbed,rolled and crashed. Cyclic interconnect tube was not installed.

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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