# NTSB MKC89LA188: Bell 206B, N2168S, Park Rapids, MN, August 26, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 26, 1989, 15:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Park Rapids, MN
- Coordinates: 46.910133, -95.059127 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.9101&lon=-95.0591&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 18, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34856
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89LA188
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34856/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA188

## Probable cause

THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE HELICOPTER AND THE POWER LINE. THE POWER LINE (TRANSMISSION WIRE) WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT SAID THAT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER LIFT-OFF, THE HELICOPTER'S MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK A POWER LINE CABLE. THE HELICOPTER THEN STRUCK THE TERRAIN, SEVERING THE TAIL BOOM WITH THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES. THE HELICOPTER CAME TO REST UPRIGHT ON ITS SKIDS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2168S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2168S-2006-12-12), registration cancelled 2006-12-12, S/N 3490, built 1981 (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 SER 250HP](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-ser-250hp) (registry code 03002, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 3490
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B 420 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Registered owner: Omni Flight Helicopters, Inc.
- Destination: DKD

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,904 total, 150 in this make and model, 1,904 as pilot in command, 188 in the last 90 days, 67 in the last 30 days, 9 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,500 ft broken
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PKD, 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).

- [Accident 19890826031729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890826031729A), Aug 26, 1989: Bell 206B, Park Rapids, MN, Substantial damage. Main rotors struck a power cable on takeoff. Helicopter impacted on skids. Rotor chopped off tailboom.

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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