# NTSB SEA89LA016: Bell 214B-1, N514RM, Ketchikan, AK, November 4, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 4, 1988, 10:25 local (14:25 UTC)
- Place: Ketchikan, AK
- Coordinates: 55.609138, -131.580566 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=55.6091&lon=-131.5806&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 7, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40954
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA016
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40954/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA016

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, hover
  - rotor system,main rotor blade skin - delamination (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, company maintenance personnel (cause)
  - rotor system,main rotor blade skin - separation (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

OUTBD 5 FEET OF TOP SKIN FROM ONE MAIN ROTOR BLADE SEPARATED IN FLT. PLT EFFECTED LNDG WITH NO FURTHER DAMAGE. INVESTIGATION REVEALED EROSION OF LEADING EDGE PROTECTIVE STRIP ALLOWED AIRLOADS TO INTRUDE UNDER SKIN TO CAUSE DELAMINATION AND SEPARATION. SOOT TRAILS INDICATE EROSION/DEFECT PROBABLY PRESENT AT TIME OF LAST INSPECTION (1.2 HRS).

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N514RM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N514RM-1994-04-12), registration cancelled 1994-04-12, S/N 28058 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 214B-1
- Registry model: [Bell 214B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-214b) (registry code 1182100) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 28058
- Airframe hours: 5975
- Engines: LYCOMING T5508D 2050 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 133
- Registered owner: Rocky Mountain Helicopters
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: AAIP, November 2, 1988, 1 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 14,700 total, 3,830 in this make and model, 14,290 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 135° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 48 °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 19881104049589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881104049589A), Nov 4, 1988: Bell 214B1, Ketchikan, AK, Substantial damage. Main rotor blade delaminated while in a hover with a long line attached. Was able to make a safe landing.

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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