# NTSB NYC85LA215: Bell BH206L-1, N100FH, Hawley, PA, August 18, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 18, 1985, 09:12 local (13:12 UTC)
- Place: Hawley, PA
- Coordinates: 41.4705, -75.180717 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4705&lon=-75.1807&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 5 minor, 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35949
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA215
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35949/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA215

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - rotor system - deteriorated (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER ARRIVED AT A PRIVATE RESIDENCE TO TRANSPORT RACE CAR DRIVERS TO THE POCONO RACEWAY. DURING DEPARTURE THE PILOT FAILED TO SEE POWERLINES IN THE FLIGHT PATH THAT CONTACTED THE MAIN ROTOR SYSTEM. THE MAIN ROTOR SYSTEM FAILED AND THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED TREES AND THE GROUND. THE OCCUPANTS DEPLANED WITHOUT ASSISTANCE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N100FH (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BELL BH206L-1
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 45357
- Airframe hours: 1628
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C28B 435 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Fleet Helicopter
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 12, 1985, 105 hours before
- Departed: HAWLEY, PA
- Destination: POCONO RACE TR., PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 14,317 total, 181 in this make and model, 13,902 as pilot in command, 253 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19850818039119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850818039119A), Aug 18, 1985: Bell 206L1, Hawley, PA, Substantial damage. During climb after liftoff aircraft struck powerlines and impacted ground. Takeoff from private home.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.