# NTSB NYC86FA037: Bell 206B, N5828J, Cheshire, CT, November 20, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 20, 1985, 07:00 local (12:00 UTC)
- Place: Cheshire, CT
- Location: 41.4990° N, 72.9007° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Cheshire, CT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4990&lon=-72.9007&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30172
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86FA037
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30172/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86FA037

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - vfr procedures - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER WAS FLYING AT OR NEAR THE BASE OF THE OVERCAST WHEN IT CONTACTED A TREE AND DESCENDED TO GROUND IMPACT. WITNESSES REPORTED HEARING THE ENG OPERATING DURING THE ACCIDENT SEQUENCE AND THE AREA WAS COVERED WITH HEAVY FOG. NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION WAS DISCOVERED DURING POST IMPACT EXAMINATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5828J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5828J-1991-04-01), registration cancelled 1991-04-01, S/N 2683 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206B
- Registry model: [Bell 206B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206b) (registry code 1181511) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 2683
- Airframe hours: 1625
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20B 250 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Clarence Donald Morin
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 11, 1985, 10 hours before
- Destination: NASHUA, NH

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; commercial; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,270 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 800 ft overcast
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BDL, 35 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 19851120057799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851120057799A), Nov 20, 1985: Bell 206B, Cheshire, CT, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Took off and flew at treetop level under a very low overcast. Struck a tree then ground, and burst into flames.

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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