# NTSB LAX85FA286: Bell 214B-1, N214RM, Squaw Valley, CA, June 20, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 19, 1985, 17:15 local (Jun 20, 1985, 00:15 UTC)
- Place: Squaw Valley, CA
- Coordinates: 36.64096, -119.290733 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.6410&lon=-119.2907&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24516
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85FA286
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24516/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA286

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, hover
  - turbine assembly,turbine wheel - disintegrated (contributing factor)
  - turboshaft engine,gas generator turbine - failure,total (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,replacement - not identified, manufacturer (cause)
  - material inadequate, manufacturer (cause)
  - material defect, manufacturer (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - downhill (contributing factor)
  - autorotation - attempted, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper glidepath - not possible, pilot in command
  - flare - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS ENGAGED IN LOWERING A LARGE POLE TO THE GROUND WHEN THE ENG FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY DUE TO A TOTAL FIRST TURBINE ROTOR DISC FAILURE. THE PLT TURNED THE ACFT DOWN THE MOUNTAIN BUT WAS UNABLE TO GAIN ENOUGH SPEED TO AUTOROTATE. THE ACFT IMPACTED AT AN ANGLE AND BURNED. NO PARTS OF THE FIRST TURBINE ROTOR DISC WERE RECOVERED, THEREFORE, A FAILURE MODE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE DISC HAD ACCUMULATED 2776 CYCLES AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. LYCOMING SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 5508-0002 REPORTS THE SERVICE  LIFE LIMIT FOR THE DISC IS 2700 CYCLES. AN ENG TEARDOWN REVEALED NOTHING ELSE WRONG WITH THE ENG THAT COULD HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO ITS FAILURE OTHER THAN THE FIRST TURBINE ROTOR DISC DISINTEGRATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N214RM (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 214B-1
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 28001
- Airframe hours: 8455
- Engines: LYCOMING T5508D 2050 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Business, Part 133
- Registered owner: Rocky Mountain Helicoperts Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, June 17, 1985, 6 hours before
- Departed: RLA, SQUAW VALLEY, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 12,247 total, 3,047 in this make and model, 250 in the last 90 days, 80 in the last 30 days, 9 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TVL, 19 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 19850619074929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850619074929A), Jun 19, 1985: Bell 214B1, Squaw Valley, CA, Destroyed. First stage turbine rotor disc failed, was over life cycle service limit. Hit tree, tumbled over ground, burned.

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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