# NTSB LAX87FA318: Bell 206L-1, N22HU, Covelo, CA, August 27, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 27, 1987, 16:58 local (23:58 UTC)
- Place: Covelo, CA
- Coordinates: 39.819751, -123.160751 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.8198&lon=-123.1608&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 3, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25423
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87FA318
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25423/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87FA318

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel supply - restricted (cause)
  - turboshaft engine - contamination (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - rotor rpm - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT PERFORMED A VERTICAL TAKEOFF. AT APRX 30 FT AGL, WHILE TRANSITIONING TO FORWARD FLIGHT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND THE PILOT PARTIALLY LOWERED THE COLLECTIVE TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM. THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD ON SLOPING TERRAIN AND BOUNCED LATERALLY TO THE RIGHT COLLIDING WITH TREES. DURING THE COURSE OF THE INVESTIGATION THE HELICOPTER WAS DEFUELED. APRX 14.6 GALS OF FUEL WERE DRAINED FROM THE REAR MAIN FUEL CELL AND APRX 4.7 GALS WERE DRAINED FROM THE RIGHT FRONT TANK. EXAMINATION OF THE FUEL SYSTEM REVEALED CONTAMINATION OF THE RIGHT AND LEFT IN-LINE FUEL FILTER ASSEMBLIES (PART NO. 206-063-001). THE CONTAMINATION WAS IDENTIFIED AS DIRT, PAINT CHIPS, LINT TYPE FUZZ, AND METAL SHAVINGS. ACCORDING TO BELL HELICOPTER THE FUEL TRANSFER SYSTEM CAN BE RENDERED INOPERATIVE BY CONTAMINANTS RESULTING IN ENGINE FLAMEOUTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N22HU (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206L-1
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 45562
- Airframe hours: 3082
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C28B 500 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Public aircraft, Part 91
- Registered owner: Aris Helicopter Ltd
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 7, 1987, 62 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 3,677 total, 1,284 in this make and model, 3,575 as pilot in command, 155 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: UKI, 40 nm away

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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