# NTSB LAX97LA206: Bell UH-1B, N888SJ, Heron, CA, June 11, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 10, 1997, 18:30 local (Jun 11, 1997, 01:30 UTC)
- Place: Heron, CA
- Coordinates: 36.200027, -120.090759 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2000&lon=-120.0908&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 21, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 29808
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX97LA206
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29808/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA206

## Probable cause

partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.  A factor relating to the accident was that the engine lost power when the helicopter was outside (below) the limits of the height/velocity curve.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering - aerial application
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
  - autorotation - initiated, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing
  - terrain condition - crop
  - height/velocity curve - below (contributing factor)

## Analysis

The pilot experienced a partial loss of engine power at a low elevation above ground level, while spraying a tomato field. He initiated an autorotative landing, and the helicopter touched down hard in the field. During the landing sequence, a main rotor blade severed the tail boom. The engine continued operating for between 10 and 12 minutes. Wreckage examination was limited due to extensive fire damage, and the reason for the power loss was not determined.

## Factual narrative

On June 10, 1997, at 1830 hours Pacific daylight time, a Bell UH-1B, N888SJ, owned and operated by San Joaquin Helicopters, experienced a partial loss of engine power while spraying a field of tomatoes near Heron, California.  The pilot reported that he was flying at a low altitude over the field when power was lost.  He autorotated and landed hard in the field.  During the touchdown sequence, a main rotor blade severed the tail boom.  The helicopter was destroyed by ground fire.  The engine continued to operate for between 10 and 12 minutes following touchdown.  The commercial pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed.  The flight originated from the bed of a truck near the field around 1820.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration coordinator, no wires or other obstructions were noted in the vicinity of the accident site.  The wreckage examination was limited because of extensive fire damage to the helicopter.  No findings were noted concerning the loss of engine power.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N888SJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N888SJ-2018-01-17), registration cancelled 2018-01-17, S/N 1021, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Bell UH-1B
- 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: 1021
- Airframe hours: 6947
- Engines: Lycoming T-53-L-110 900 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: San Joaquin Helicopters
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 4, 1997, 60 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 17,350 total, 3,000 in this make and model, 16,000 as pilot in command, 175 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19970610013749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970610013749A), Jun 10, 1997: Bell UH1B, Huron, CA, Destroyed. Partial power loss field spraying. Autorotated and landed hard. A main rotor blade severed the tailboom. Groundfire

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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