# NTSB LAX85FA115: Bell 205A-1, N830V, Newhall, CA, January 18, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: January 18, 1985, 10:45 local (18:45 UTC)
- Place: Newhall, CA
- Coordinates: 34.360553, -118.470153 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.3606&lon=-118.4702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24459
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85FA115
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24459/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA115

## Analysis

THIS HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH HILLY TERRAIN WHILE CIRCLING AT A LOW ALTITUDE. IT WAS FOLLOWING ANOTHER HELICOPTER IN A CLOCKWISE CIRCULAR PATTERN AT THE TIME, AND BEING FILMED FOR THE T.V. SERIES 'AIR WOLF'. ONE WITNESS OBSERVED THE HELICOPTER DECENDING IN THE FINAL TURN, INSTEAD OF LEVELING OFF, UNTIL IT WAS VERY CLOSE TO THE GROUND. AS IT APPROACHED A SMALL KNOLL GROUND CONTACT OCCURRED. THE ENGINE WAS HEARD RUNNING FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER IMPACT. POST IMPACT FIRE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE DEATH OF THE PASSENGER.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N830V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N830V-2012-11-13), registration cancelled 2012-11-13, S/N 30037, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 205A-1
- Registry model: [Bell 205A-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-205a-1) (registry code 1181414) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming T-53 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-t-53-series) (registry code 41552, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 30037
- Airframe hours: 1237
- Engines: LYCOMING T3313 B 1250 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jetcopters Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special); Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 10, 1984, 41 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial, flight instructor; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,573 total, 1,320 in this make and model, 2,453 as pilot in command, 133 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: VNY, 12 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 19850118000969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850118000969A), Jan 18, 1985: Bell 205A1, Newhall, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Flew into hillside while filming a chase sequence for tv. Sun prevented pilot from seeing terrain.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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