# NTSB NYC85FA245: Bell 206B, N32TV, Chalkhill, PA, September 22, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 22, 1985, 10:10 local (14:10 UTC)
- Place: Chalkhill, PA
- Coordinates: 39.850849, -79.599334 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.8508&lon=-79.5993&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35584
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85FA245
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35584/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85FA245

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - pickup equipment - incorrect (contributing factor)
  - electrical system,circuit breaker - not engaged
  - crew/group coordination - inadequate, ground personnel (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS BEING USED ON AN EXTERNAL LOAD OPERATION WITH A 100 FT CABLE ATTACHED. WHEN A 618 LB LOAD WAS READY TO BE MOVED, THE PLT STARTED THE ENG, LIFTED OFF & MOVED THE HELICOPTER TO A HOVER OVER THE LOAD. THE LOADERS HOOKED THE LOAD TO THE CABLE & GAVE THE PLT A SIGNAL TO DEPART, THEN THEY NOTICED THE CABLE WAS DROOPED OVER THE AFT PART OF THE LEFT SKID. THE CREW TRIED TO SIGNAL THE PLT, BUT AS THE HELICOPTER LIFTED THE LOAD, IT BEGAN MOVING IN A REARWARD & LEFT TURNING, PENDULOUS MOTION. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE HELICOPTER CRASHED NEARLY INVERTED ONTO WOODED TERRAIN. AFTER THE ACDNT, THE 100 FT CABLE WAS ABOVE THE HELICOPTER IN A TREE & EXTENDED TO WHERE IT WAS WRAPPED AROUND ANOTHER TREE. ALL OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS WERE FOUND OPEN. THE CARGO HOOK HAD A MANUAL & AN ELECTRICAL RELEASE. THE CARGO HOOK WAS TORN FROM THE HELICOPTER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N32TV](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N32TV-2012-09-06), registration cancelled 2012-09-06, S/N 1112, built 1973 (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 400HP](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-ser-400hp) (registry code 03013, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1112
- Airframe hours: 4898
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20 420 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Other work use, Part 133
- Operator: Northwest Helicopter
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 16, 1985, 77 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 8,500 total, 2,200 in this make and model, 8,000 as pilot in command, 110 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19850922046639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850922046639A), Sep 22, 1985: Bell 206B, Chalkhill, PA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Tried to pick up heavy external load with long line over a skid. Load shifted. Crashed in trees inverted.

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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