# NTSB MIA95LA065: Bell 206-B3, N5008N, Miami, FL, January 28, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 28, 1995, 17:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Miami, FL
- Location: 25.7743° N, 80.1937° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Miami, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=25.7743&lon=-80.1937&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 9, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37725
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA95LA065
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37725/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA95LA065

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION, AND A LOOSE FUEL PC LINE. THE WIRES WERE A FACTOR WHICH NECESSITATED EARLY COLLECTIVE PITCH.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - fuel system,pc line - loose (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,service of aircraft/equipment - improper, company maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- Hard landing, emergency landing
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - evasive maneuver - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING CRUISE FLIGHT, ABOUT 800 FT OVER A FOOTBALL STADIUM, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. HE INITIATED AN AUTOROTATION AND APPLIED COLLECTIVE PITCH EARLY TO AVOID WIRES. tHE HELICOPTER THEN LANDED HARD DAMAGING THE BELLY AND THE TRANSMISSION MOUNTS. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE COMPRESSOR DISCHARGE LINE [PC] WAS LOOSE AT THE FUEL CONTROL.

## Factual narrative

On January 28, 1995, about 1730 eastern standard time, N5008N, a Bell 206-B3 helicopter experienced an engine failure in Miami, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 135, on-demand, passenger local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter was substantially damaged and the pilot and two passengers were not injured. The flight originated from North Perry Airport, Hollywood, Florida, about 30 minutes earlier.

The pilot stated that while in cruise flight about 800 feet above the ground over a football stadium the engine failed. He initiated an autorotation and applied collective pitch early to avoid wires. The helicopter then landed hard damaging the belly and the transmission mounts. Examination of the engine revealed the compressor discarge pressure line [PC] was loose at the fuel control.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5008N (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206-B3
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2518
- Airframe hours: 6050
- Engines: ALLISON 250L-20B 420 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Registered owner: Cresent Airways Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, December 30, 1994, 43 hours before
- Departed: HWO, HOLLYWOOD, FL
- Destination: HWO, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 3,800 total, 2,500 in this make and model, 3,500 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 95° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: HWO, 1 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).

- [Incident 19950128000919I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950128000919I), Jan 28, 1995: Bell 206B3, Perry, FL, Minor damage. Narrative: while observing engine being removed from aircraft, it was discovered that the p/c (pneumatic) stainless steel line had come loose from engine.…

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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