# NTSB FTW95LA032: Bell 206L-3, N206SF, Ruston, LA, October 27, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 27, 1994, 11:15 local (16:15 UTC)
- Place: Ruston, LA
- Location: 32.5338° N, 92.6352° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Ruston, LA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.5338&lon=-92.6352&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 25, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19294
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA032
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19294/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA032

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER HANDLING OF THE HELICOPTER AFTER AN APPARENT LOSS OF POWER DURING A PRACTICE AUTOROTATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering
  - autorotation - simulated, pilot in command
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (contributing factor)
- Hard landing, maneuvering
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THIS WAS THE THIRD PRACTICE AUTOROTATION WITH POWER RECOVERY INITIATED AT 1,000 FT ABOVE THE GROUND. AT 100 FT, AND WITH AN AIRSPEED OF 70 KTS, THE FLARE WAS STARTED. THE PILOT DID NOT NOTICE A TORQUE CHANGE OR YAW, AND LATER STATED HE TOOK THIS AS EVIDENCE 'THAT THE ENGINE HAD QUIT.' TOUCHDOWN WAS MADE AT A HIGHER THAN DESIRED FORWARD SPEED. ONE BLADE CONTACTED THE RIGHT VERTICAL STABILIZER, AND THE TAIL BOOM COLLAPSED TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HELICOPTER. THE ENGINE WAS LATER EXAMINED, AND ALL CHECKS INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS FUNCTIONING NORMAL.

## Factual narrative

On October 27, 1994, at 1115 central daylight time, a Bell 206L-3, N206SF, was substantially damaged during autorotation near Ruston, Louisiana.  The helicopter, flown by an airline transport rated pilot, was on a personal flight that had originated in Meridian, Mississippi.  No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The solo pilot was uninjured.

According to the pilot, he had just completed two practice  autorotations, recovering with power each time.  The third autorotation was entered at 1,000 feet above the ground and the flare initiated about 100 feet above the ground at 70 knots.  The pilot added power; however, he did not notice torgue change or yaw.  He took this as evidence of a loss of power.  Due to low rotor rpm, pitch pull was delayed and touchdown was at a "higher than desired forward speed."  During the landing slide a main rotor blade contacted the right vertical stabilizer, collapsing the tail boom to the right side of the helicopter.

The Federal Aviation Administration inspector (statement enclosed) examined the engine.  "All checks indicated the engine was functioning normal."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N206SF](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N206SF), registered now, S/N 2392, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206L-3
- Registry model: [Bell 206B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206b) (registry code 1181511) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Allison 250 SER 250HP](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-ser-250hp) (registry code 03002, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 51160
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C30P 650 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Leading Edge Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: MEI, MERIDIAN, MS
- Airport: 5L3, Ruston, runway 36, 5,000 ×  ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 13,393 total, 11 in this make and model, 12,903 as pilot in command, 65 in the last 90 days, 19 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

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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