# NTSB SEA83LA119: Bell 205A-1, N98HJ, Near Randle, WA, June 6, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 6, 1983, 08:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Near Randle, WA
- Coordinates: 46.470943, -121.819221 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.4709&lon=-121.8192&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 39707
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA83LA119
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39707/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA83LA119

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - rotor drive system,clutch assembly - disintegrated (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - autorotation - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS ENGAGED IN LOG SLINGING OPERATIONS AND HAD JUST RELEASED A LOAD AND INITIATED A CLIMB AWAY FROM THE SITE WHEN ACCORDING TO THE PILOT THE ENGINE STARTED TO SPOOL DOWN, ALTHOUGH THE PILOT WAS ABLE RETURN TO THE LOG-LANDINGAREA THERE WAS INSUFFICIENET ALTITUDE FOR AUTOROTATION AND A HARD LANDING OCCURRED. THE OPERATOR REPORTED THAT AN EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY REVEALED THAT THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY HAD DISINTEGRATED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N98HJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N98HJ-1983-11-23), registration cancelled 1983-11-23, S/N 30089 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 205A-1
- Registry model: [Bell 205A-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-205a-1) (registry code 1181414) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 30089
- Airframe hours: 5540
- Engines: LYCOMING T531-3B 1250 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 133
- Registered owner: Heli Trade Corporation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: AAIP, June 3, 1983, 5 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 12,000 total, 600 in this make and model, 55 in the last 90 days, 55 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TDO, 43 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 19830606025349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830606025349A), Jun 6, 1983: Bell 205A1, Randle, WA, Substantial damage. Sprague clutch disintegrated after dropping load. Too low for full autorotation. Made upright severe ground impact.

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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