# NTSB FTW96LA147: Bell 206BIII, N115FH, Houma, LA, March 12, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 12, 1996, 08:15 local (14:15 UTC)
- Place: Houma, LA
- Coordinates: 29.579627, -90.810363 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.5796&lon=-90.8104&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 22, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19783
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA147
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19783/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA147

## Probable cause

the pilot's attempted maneuver which exceeded the dynamic capability of the helicopter.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, hover - out of ground effect
  - rotorcraft operations - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft performance,rolling maneuvers - dynamic imbalance (cause)
  - dynamic rollover - encountered, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

While supporting a seismic geophysical operation, the helicopter, equipped with a 100-foot long line, was attempting to tow a support boat which was stuck in the mud. The helicopter hovered in a left sidewards direction, in an attempt to dislodge the boat from the mud. Control was lost and the helicopter impacted the ground.

## Factual narrative

On March 12, 1996, at 0815 central standard time, a Bell BH-206BIII, N115FH, registered to Evergreen Equity Inc., and operated by Evergreen Helicopters International under Title 14 CFR Part 133, was substantially damaged during external load operations near Houma, Louisiana.  The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local external load carrying flight that departed Houma at 0800.  A flight plan was not filed for the flight.

According to the FAA inspector, the aircraft was assigned to support a seismic geophysical operation.  At the time of the accident, the helicopter was attempting to tow (with a 100 foot long line) a support boat which had become mired in mud.  While hovering out of ground effect in a left sidewards direction in an attempt to dislodge the boat from the mud, the pilot lost control of the helicopter.  The pilot reported that he had no recall of the accident.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N115FH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N115FH-2017-09-18), registration cancelled 2017-09-18, S/N 2737, built 1979 (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-C20 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-c20-series) (registry code 03020, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2737
- Airframe hours: 8197
- Engines: Allison 250-C20B 450 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 133
- Operator: Evergreen Helicopters Int'L, doing business as Evergreen Helicopters
- Registered owner: Evergreen Equity, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 9, 1996, 18 hours before
- Departed: HUM, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 3,700 total, 800 in this make and model, 3,200 as pilot in command, 75 in the last 90 days, 65 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HUM

## 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 19960312003909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960312003909A), Mar 12, 1996: Bell 206B, Houma, LA, Substantial damage. Helicopter conducting seismic work using 100FT long external load, crashed.(-23) the pilot was conducting class b external-load operations, 14 CFR, part 133,…

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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