# NTSB LAX89LA297: Bell 206B, N111JG, Murrieta, CA, September 6, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 6, 1989, 11:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Murrieta, CA
- Location: 33.5539° N, 117.2139° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Murrieta, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.5539&lon=-117.2139&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 22, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26491
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA297
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26491/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA297

## Probable cause

A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO CONTAMINATES IN THE FUEL CONTROL UNIT. THE ORIGIN OF THE CONTAMINATES WAS NOT DETERMINED. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR(S) WAS: THE HELICOPTER WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH FLOATS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise
  - fuel system,fuel control - contamination (cause)
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
  - load jettison - performed, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - water (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER COMPLETING AN EXTERNAL LOAD AERIAL SPRAYING APPLICATION OVER A LAKE THE HELICOPTER SUSTAINED A PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER AND A DECAYING LOSS OF ROTOR RPM. THE PLT TURNED TOWARD THE SHORELINE AND EXECUTED AN AUTOROTATION BUT ITS ALTITUDE (150 FT AGL) WAS INSUFFICIENT TO NEGOTIATE THE SHORE. THE WRECKAGE EXAM DSCLSD THAT THE FUEL CONTROL UNIT CONTAINED CONTAMINATES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N111JG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N111JG-2012-07-24), registration cancelled 2012-07-24, S/N 1115, built 1973 (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-C20 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-c20-series) (registry code 03020, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1115
- Airframe hours: 3516
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20 400 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 133
- Registered owner: National Helicopter Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 21, 1990, 15 hours before
- Departed: LAKE SKINNER
- Airport: French Valley

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 3,100 total, 1,200 in this make and model, 120 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19890906033939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890906033939A), Sep 6, 1989: Bell 206B, Murrieta, CA, Substantial damage. Lost power returning to ag base. Autorotated into a lake. Some debris in fuel and worn diaphragm. Low fuel pressure.

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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