# NTSB LAX86FJA02: Bell 206B, N4835A, Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean), July 7, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: July 7, 1986, 10:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 27, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24940
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86FJA02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24940/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86FJA02

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - roll/run
  - tie down - inadvertent use (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS ATTEMPTING TO TAKE OFF FROM THE DECK OF A TUNA BOAT WHEN IT CONTACTED THE SIDE OF THE BOAT AND SANK IN THE OCEAN. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED ONE OF TWO NOSE TIEDOWN STRAPS HAD NOT BEEN REMOVED FROM THE HELICOPTER PRIOR TO THE TAKEOFF. THE NOSE TIEDOWN WERE NORMALLY USED ONLY AFTER FLYING HOURS AND WHEN ROUGH SEAS EXISTED. THE FOUR SIDE TIEDOWN STRAPS NORMALLY USED WHEN THE HELICOPTER WAS ON DECK WERE RELEASED BY A MECHANIC JUST PRIOR TO THE TAKEOFF. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN AT COORDINATES 10.15'N AND 141.40'W, APPROXIMATELY 91 MILES SE OF HILO, HAWAII.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4835A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4835A-2012-11-27), registration cancelled 2012-11-27, S/N 1833, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206B
- Registry model: [Bell 206B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206b) (registry code 1181511) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Allison 250 SER 400HP](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-ser-400hp) (registry code 03013, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1833
- Airframe hours: 5239
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20 400 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: South Seas Helicopter, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 3, 1986, 23 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 326 in the last 90 days, 109 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19860707052839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860707052839A), Jul 7, 1986: Bell 206B, Hilo, HI, Destroyed. Struck ship, fell into water after attempted takeoff with front tiedown strap secured. Aircraft and pilot sank.

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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