# NTSB LAX84FA418: Bell 206B, N100TH, Point Loma, CA, July 28, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 28, 1984, 12:20 local (19:20 UTC)
- Place: Point Loma, CA
- Coordinates: 32.720779, -117.230735 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7208&lon=-117.2307&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23982
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84FA418
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23982/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84FA418

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - water,rough (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS DITCHED NEAR PT LOMA, CA, AFTER THE ENG QUIT. THE PLT SAID THERE WAS NO LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT OR CHIP LIGHT. AFTER SALVAGE THE FUEL LINES WERE FOUND EMPTY OF FUEL AND THE TANK CONTAINED MOSTLY SEA WATER. THE WIRES TO THE ANNUNICIATOR PANEL LIGHTS HAD BEEN CLEANLY CUT. THE FOLLOWING CIRCUIT BREAKERS WERE POPPED: CAUTION, TOT, IGNITION, ONE MARKED EC100(2), AND ONE MARKED 28 U(10).

## Aircraft

- Registration: N100TH (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206B
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1156
- Airframe hours: 5700
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20 400 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 133
- Registered owner: Tridair Helicopters Ltd.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 31, 1984, 70 hours before
- Departed: NONE, POINT LOMA, CA
- Destination: SAN, SAN DIEGO, CA
- Airport: North Island

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 5,470 total, 3,130 in this make and model, 4,192 as pilot in command, 176 in the last 90 days, 55 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SAN, 5 nm away

## 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 19840728035669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840728035669A), Jul 28, 1984: Bell 206B, Point Loma, CA, Substantial damage. Helicopter crashed during autorotation emergency landing in water. Evidence indicated low fuel condition.

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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