# NTSB SEA86LA204: Bell 206L-1, N1083Z, Grangeville, ID, August 10, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 10, 1986
- Place: Grangeville, ID
- Coordinates: 45.90039, -116.129394 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.9004&lon=-116.1294&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 5 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40472
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA86LA204
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40472/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86LA204

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HELICOPTER PLT WAS ON AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE (EMS/MEDIVAC) FLT TO TRANSPORT SURVIVORS FROM AN AIRPLANE ACCIDENT. HE LANDED AT NIGHT ON A RIDGE ABOUT 1/4 MI FROM THE AIRPLANE CRASH SITE. AT ABOUT 2400 MDT, THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF FROM THE REMOTE, CONFINED LANDING AREA WITH 2 EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS (EMT'S), A SHERIFF & A BURN VICTIM ABOARD. THE PLT STARTED A STRAIGHT AHEAD CLIMB OVER A RIDGE, BUT PAUSED, THEN DID A RUDDER TURN. AS HE STARTED TO TAKEOFF DOWNWIND IN LIGHT & VARIABLE WINDS, HE LOST VISUAL REFERENCE WITH THE GROUND. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE HELICOPTER BEGAN MOVING BACKWARDS & THE TAIL ROTOR CONTACTED A TREE. THE HELICOPTER THEN CRASHED ON DOWNSLOPING TERRAIN & LODGED AGAINST A TREE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1083Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1083Z-1989-06-08), registration cancelled 1989-06-08, S/N 45420 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206L-1
- Registry model: [Bell Helicopter Textron 206L-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-helicopter-textron-206l-1) (registry code 1182107) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 4150
- Airframe hours: 1389
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C-28B 435 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 135
- Registered owner: Minuteman Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1986
- Destination: GRANGEVILLE, ID

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 4,270 total, 197 in this make and model, 3,171 as pilot in command, 118 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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 19860810078039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860810078039A), Aug 10, 1986: Bell 206L1, Orangeville, ID, Destroyed. The pilot lost visual references during takeoff from rough terrain at night. The helicopter struck trees.

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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