# NTSB LAX85LA105: Bell 204, N99021, Snelling, CA, January 11, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 10, 1985, 16:40 local (Jan 11, 1985, 00:40 UTC)
- Place: Snelling, CA
- Coordinates: 37.540985, -120.450645 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.5410&lon=-120.4506&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24630
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA105
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24630/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA105

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, standing - idling rotors
  - aircraft unattended/engine(s) running - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - complacency, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PLT VACATED THE ACFT WITH ENGINE AT IDLE & WITH THE BLADES TURNING TO REFUEL. THE LANDING PLATFORM MOUNTED ON THE 'NURSE' TRUCK WAS SLIPPERY FROM AN OIL & COPPER MIXTURE USED IN THE SPRAYING OPERATION. THE HELICOPTER STARTED TO SLIDE & THE PLT REBOARDED JUST AS IT FELL OFF THE TRUCK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N99021](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N99021), registered now, S/N 64-13949, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 204
- Registry model: [Bell UH-1B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-uh-1b) (registry code 1181410) (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: 64-13949
- Airframe hours: 36829
- Engines: LYCOMING 653-11 1100 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Bettencourt Flying Service Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 2, 1984
- Departed: DELHI, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, invalid medical for flight; seat: right; flight hours: 30,450 total, 1,000 in this make and model, 30,450 as pilot in command, 55 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 1 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MER, 18 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 19850110001139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850110001139A), Jan 10, 1985: Bell UH1B, Snelling, CA, Substantial damage. Engine at idle, pilot cleaning windshield. Aircraft slid off nurse truck as pilot reentered cockpit too late.

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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