# NTSB LAX77FA073: Bell 206B, N59574, Van Nuys, CA, September 15, 1977

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Closed
- Date: September 15, 1977
- Place: Van Nuys, CA · VAN NUYS, CA
- Location: 34.1867° N, 118.4490° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Van Nuys, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1867&lon=-118.4490&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 13, 1977
- Report: Brief approved by the director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 144510
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX77FA073
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX77FA073

## NTSB brief

```
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FILE    DATE          LOCATION          AIRCRAFT DATA       INJURIES       FLIGHT                        PILOT DATA
                                                               F  S M/N     PURPOSE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-3454  77/9/15    VAN NUYS,CA         BELL 206B           CR-  0  0  2  MISCELLANEOUS             COMMERCIAL, AGE 40, 1240
        TIME - 1519                    N59574              PX-  0  0  0  POLICE PATROL             TOTAL HOURS, 95 IN TYPE,
                                       DAMAGE-SUBSTANTIAL  OT-  0  0  0                            NOT INSTRUMENT RATED.
        NAME OF AIRPORT - VAN NUYS
        DEPARTURE POINT             INTENDED DESTINATION
          GLENDALE,CA                 LOCAL
        TYPE OF ACCIDENT                                         PHASE OF OPERATION
           MISCELLANEOUS                                            IN FLIGHT: NORMAL CRUISE
           HARD LANDING                                             LANDING: POWER-OFF AUTOROTATIVE LANDING
        PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
           PILOT IN COMMAND - SPONTANEOUS-IMPROPER ACTION
           PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ROTOR R.P.M.
           PILOT IN COMMAND - IMPROPER OPERATION OF FLIGHT CONTROLS
        FACTOR(S)
           INSTRUMENTS/EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES - COMMUNICATIONS AND NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT: OTHER
           MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - MATERIAL FAILURE
        EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES - PRECAUTIONARY LANDING OFF AIRPORT
                                  SUSPECTED MECHANICAL DISCREPANCY
                                  UNUSUAL NOISE
        REMARKS- BATTERY OF PORTABLE FM RADIO EXPLODED FOR UNDET REASON. LND IN CITY PARK.
```

## Aircraft

- Registration: N59574 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206B
- Category: Helicopter
- Engines: turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Airport: Van Nuys

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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