# NTSB MIA86LA133: Bell 206-L-3, N71FW, Miami Shores, FL, April 25, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 25, 1986, 17:50 local (22:50 UTC)
- Place: Miami Shores, FL
- Location: 25.8670° N, 80.1783° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Miami Shores, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=25.8670&lon=-80.1783&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31612
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA86LA133
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31612/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA86LA133

## 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 - normal
  - fuel system,line fitting - loose (cause)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - emergency procedure - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED GENERATOR FAILURE UPON DEPARTURE FROM KEY WEST & ELECTED TO CONTINUE HIS FLT TO OPA-LOCKA, FL, MAKING TWO STOPS ENROUTE. HE NOTED THAT HIS BATTERY WAS DEAD AFTER PASSING OCEAN REEF, LANDED AT WATSON ISLAND & THEN TOOK OFF ENROUTE TO OPA LOCKA WHEN HE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER, AUTOROTATED TO A SEAWALL, LANDED HARD, COLLAPSED THE SKIDS & THE MAIN ROTOR SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM. THE ENG WAS REMOVED FROM THE ACFT & PLACED IN A TEST CELL WHERE IT WAS RUN WITH NO DISCREPANCIES NOTED. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE LEFT FORWARD FUEL TANK CHECK VALVE WAS LOOSE ALLOWING AIR TO BE SUCKED INTO THE FUEL SYSTEM CAUSING THE POWER LOSS EXPERIENCED BY THE PLT. THE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES SECTION OF THE BELL 206 L-3 FLIGHT MANUAL STATES IF EITHER OF THE BOOST PUMPS FAIL OR THE GENERATOR FAILS YOU ARE TO LAND AS SOON AS PRACTICAL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N71FW (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206-L-3
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 51155
- Airframe hours: 90
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C30P 650 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Executive/Corporate, Part 91
- Registered owner: Marine R. Corporation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 1985, 90 hours before
- Departed: WATSON ISLAND, FL
- Destination: OPF, OPA LOCKA, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 3,505 total, 923 in this make and model, 3,315 as pilot in command, 67 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 90° at 7 knots, gusting 7
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MIA, 5 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 19860425018819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860425018819A), Apr 25, 1986: Bell 206L3, Miami Shores, FL, Substantial damage. Stuck fuel check valve, leak in fuel line caused engine failure. Made hard landing. Generator also inoperative.

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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