# NTSB MIA85FA065: Fairchild Hiller FH-1100, N8126H, La Belle, FL, December 27, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 27, 1984, 10:15 local (15:15 UTC)
- Place: La Belle, FL
- Coordinates: 26.639366, -81.339118 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.6394&lon=-81.3391&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31219
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85FA065
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31219/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85FA065

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - compressor assembly - blocked(total) (contributing factor)
  - compressor assembly - foreign object (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - emergency
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS OBSERVED FLYING AT A LOW ALT & LOST ALL ENG POWER, BANKED SHARPLEY TO THE LEFT, LOST COMPLETE CONTROL & DOVE INTO THE GROUND. THE ACFT WAS DESTROYED BY IMPACT FORCES ALONG WITH THE POST CRASH FIRE. NO EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST A MALFUNCTION OF THE HELICOPTER'S STRUCTURE OR FLT CONTROLS PRIOR TO IMPACT WAS FOUND. ONE MAIN ROTOR BLADE EXIBITED EVIDENCE OF UPWARD BENDING AT THE TIP, INDICATIVE OF CONING AT IMPACT. ENG TEARDOWN & EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE ENG FAILED DUE TO THE INJESTION OF A CLOTH SHOP TOWEL INTO THE COMPRESSOR SECTION OF THE ENG.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8126H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8126H-2013-05-13), registration cancelled 2013-05-13, S/N 209 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: FAIRCHILD HILLER FH-1100
- Registry model: [Fairchild Hiller FH-1100](https://openairdocs.org/model/fairchild-hiller-fh-1100) (registry code 3376502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 209
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C18 274 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Carribean Freighters In'Tl Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: LA BELLE, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 8,400 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FMY, 30 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 19841227075139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841227075139A), Dec 27, 1984: Hiller FH1100, Labelle, FL, Destroyed. Lost engine power and banked to avoid obstacles. Lost control,impacted ground. Tower ingested in compressor section.

## Other investigations on N8126H (1)

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.

- [NTSB MIA79FLG17](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA79FLG17), Dec 1, 1978: Hiller FH1100 (N8126H), West Columbia, SC, substantial damage

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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