# NTSB LAX82FA242: Bell 206B, N4778R, Grand Canyon, AZ, July 4, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 3, 1982, 18:00 local (Jul 4, 1982, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Grand Canyon, AZ
- Coordinates: 36.029911, -112.020019 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.0299&lon=-112.0200&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 5 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 3, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70870
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82FA242
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70870/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FA242

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - fuel system,fuel control - undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - downhill (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PILOT LOST POWER DURING SIGHT-SEEING FLIGHT AND DECIDED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. HE ABORTED ONE LANDING DUE TO WIND AND WAS AT 50 AGL FOR 2ND ATTEMPT WHEN POWER DECREASED.DUE TO WIND AND LACK OF POWER THE AIRCRAFT MADE CONTACT WITH A TREE AND THE MAIN ROTOR HIT THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4778R (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206B
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 296
- Airframe hours: 9102
- Engines: ALLISON C C-20B 250 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Grand Canyon Helicopters, Inc.
- Registered owner: No. American Helicopter Servic
- Departed: GCN, GRAND CANYON, AZ
- Destination: GCN, GRAND CANYON, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; airline transport; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 5,700 total, 2,460 in this make and model, 5,332 as pilot in command, 148 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 135° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Temperature: 169 °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 19820703029379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820703029379A), Jul 3, 1982: Bell 206B, Grand Canyon, AZ, Substantial damage. Crashed during a precautionary landing in the Grand Canyon. Pilot believed engine overspeed problem. No defects.

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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