# NTSB FTW97LA270: Bell 206L-1, N3892R, Amelia, LA, July 17, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 17, 1997, 06:30 local (11:30 UTC) - Place: Amelia, LA - Coordinates: 29.669017, -91.1109 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.6690&lon=-91.1109&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 26, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 20282 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW97LA270 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20282/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA270 ## Probable cause partial loss of engine power due to frog(s) being ingested into the engine. Factors relating to the accident were: the lack of altitude and lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb - turboshaft engine - foreign object (cause) - turboshaft engine - ingested (cause) - misc,engine compressor stall/surge (cause) - Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency) - autorotation - performed, pilot in command - Hard landing, emergency landing - altitude - inadequate (contributing factor) - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) - terrain condition - high vegetation - object - tree(s) ## Analysis After completing hover checks, the pilot initiated a takeoff through a cut in the trees. At about 60 feet AGL and 40 knots, a 'loud bang' occurred. The helicopter 'yawed left and the rotor rpm began to decay.' The pilot initiated an autorotation and made a 'hard/steep right turn' towards the only available landing area 75 yards to his right rear. The helicopter landed hard on its right skid and rolled over coming to rest on its right side. The engine was test run, and its performance exceeded new engine specifications. Following the test run, the engine was partially disassembled and inspected. Indications of blood and flesh were found in the impeller and through the compressor air discharge tubes. This finding was consistent with other engines that had been examined and found to have ingested green tree frogs. The pilot also reported that during his preflight inspection, he did not observe any green tree frogs. ## Factual narrative On July 17, 1997, at 0630 central daylight time, a Bell 206L-1 helicopter, N3892R, registered to and operated by Petroleum Helicopters, Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 flight, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Amelia, Louisiana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company flight plan was filed for the company crew change flight. The airline transport rated pilot and his one passenger were not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. During a personal interview conducted by the NTSB investigator-in-charge and on the enclosed Pilot/Operator Accident Report, the pilot stated that during the first start of the day he encountered a TOT (turbine outlet temperature) problem. After shutdown, maintenance found a wire problem with the TOT system. Maintenance repaired the wire, and after a FOD inspection, a maintenance operational check was performed. No further problems were noted with the TOT, and the helicopter was released for flight. The pilot further reported that the ensuing start and runup were normal. He hovered the helicopter into position for a Bayou South departure. After completing hover checks, he initiated a takeoff through a cut in the trees. At about 60 feet AGL and 40 knots, a "loud bang" occurred. The helicopter "yawed left and the rotor rpm began to decay." He initiated an autorotation and made a "hard/steep right turn" towards the only available landing area 75 yards to his right rear. The helicopter landed hard on its right skid and rolled over coming to rest on its right side. Examination of the helicopter by the FAA inspector revealed that the tailboom was wrinkled, one main rotor blade had separated, and the right skid and underside of the fuselage were damaged. On July 19, 1997, the engine was test run at the Petroleum Helicopters, Inc., maintenance facility, and its performance exceeded new engine specifications. Following the test run, the engine was partially disassembled and inspected. Indications of blood and flesh were found in the impeller and through the compressor air discharge tubes. This finding was consistent with other engines that had been examined and found to have ingested green tree frogs. The pilot also reported that during his preflight inspection he did not observe any green tree frogs. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3892R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3892R-1999-04-14), registration cancelled 1999-04-14, S/N 45594 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Bell 206L-1 - Registry model: [Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-helicopter-textron-206l-1) (registry code 1182107) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 45594 - Airframe hours: 25007 - Engines: Allison 250-C28B 500 horsepower turbo shaft - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Business, Part 91 - Registered owner: Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: AAIP, June 27, 1997, 73 hours before - Departed: 7R3 - Destination: SHIP SHOAL 214, GM - Flight plan: Company VFR - Airport: 7R3, Lake Palourde Base Heli ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 46; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 3,735 total, 283 in this make and model, 145 in the last 90 days, 62 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 100° at 5 knots - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft broken - Temperature: 75 °F ## 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 19970717018729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970717018729A), Jul 17, 1997: Bell 206L1, Amelia, LA, Substantial damage. Helicopter lost power after takeoff, executed an auto rotation. Landed hard and rolled over on its side. (-23) the pilot stated that shortly after takeoff, at… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.