# NTSB LAX87LA255: Bell 206L-3, N2123X, Benson, AZ, July 2, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 2, 1987, 14:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Benson, AZ
- Coordinates: 32.18906, -110.379386 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.1891&lon=-110.3794&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 5 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25628
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA255
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25628/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA255

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - autorotation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Roll over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

A BELL HELICOPTER 206L-3 COLLIDED WITH WIRES WHILE MANEUVERING OVER AN UNDERGROUND TELEPHONE CABLE. THE PLT INDICATED THAT HE HAD JUST COMPLETED A 360 DEG RIGHT TURN AT THE REQUEST OF THE PAX AND WAS APRX 185 DEG THROUGH THE SECOND TURN WHEN HE STRUCK A UNMARKED SINGLE STRAND POWER CABLE. THE PLT NOTICED A BRIGHT ELECTRICAL FLASH IN THE AREA OF THE ACFTS WINDSHIELD CENTER POST. HE IMMEDIATELY ENTERED AUTOROTATION AT APRX 80 FT AGL AND 60 KTS INDICATED AIRSPEED. THE TERRAIN BELOW THE ACFT WAS A VEGETATED DRY FLAT SANDY WASH. THE HELO LANDING HARD COLLAPSING THE SKID TYPE LANDING GEAR AND THEN ROLLED OVER ON ITS RIGHT SIDE. THE PLT ALSO STATED THAT HE DID NOT SEE THE WIRES PRIOR TO THE COLLISION. THE WIRES WERE STRUNG ACROSS THE WASH WITH THE POLES MASKED BY CANYON WALLS ON EACH SIDE OF THE WASH. THE PLT DID NOT GIVE ANY INDICATION OF MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2123X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2123X-1989-03-08), registration cancelled 1989-03-08, S/N 51003 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206L-3
- Registry model: [Bell 206L-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206l-3) (registry code 1182108) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 51003
- Airframe hours: 1485
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C30P 650 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Air Services International
- Registered owner: Air Services International
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: AAIP, July 1, 1987, 3 hours before
- Departed: P33, WILLCOX, AZ
- Destination: TUS, TUCSON, AZ
- Airport: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 6,700 total, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 104 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TUS, 35 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 19870702034209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870702034209A), Jul 2, 1987: Bell 206L3, Benson, AZ, Substantial damage. Struck a powerline while circling to observe a underground cable site for request of an at&t person onboard.

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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