# NTSB SEA98LA146: Garlick UH-1H, N83NW, Libby, MT, July 24, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 24, 1998, 08:30 local (14:30 UTC) - Place: Libby, MT - Location: 48.3864° N, 115.5564° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Libby, MT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.3864&lon=-115.5564&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report February 11, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 43711 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA98LA146 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/43711/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA146 ## Probable cause A failure of the external load cable, which became entangled in the tail rotor. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering - external load cable/hook - failure (contributing factor) - rotor system,tail rotor - failure (contributing factor) - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - In flight collision with object, emergency descent/landing - object - tree(s) ## Analysis The pilot stated that while conducting external load logging operations, he was hooked up to a tree length root wad which had been knocked over and topped. He picked up the tree length and laid it over 180 degrees from its original position in order to break the roots from the ground. With the roots loose, he started a takeoff and the tree left the ground and was in the air for approximately 25-50 yards. The roots then impacted the ground; the Kevlar long-line snapped about midpoint and the broken end rebounded up into the tail rotor. The pilot stated that he immediately realized he had a tail rotor failure. He informed the ground crew and found the only open area, which was approximately 100 yards from the point of failure. On the second 360 degree spin, he reduced power when the nose was pointed at the intended crash site. He stated that he realized he was too low to make it, so he pulled pitch, which put him in a rapid spin. He struck some trees on his second or third spin and then fell. After impact, he evacuated from the helicopter. ## Factual narrative On July 24, 1998, approximately 0830 mountain daylight time, a Garlick UH-1H, N83NW, sustained substantial damage during an emergency landing while helicopter logging 45 miles north or Libby, Montana. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained a broken arm. The operation was operating in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that he was hooked up to a tree length root wad which had been knocked over and topped. He picked up the tree length and laid it over 180 degrees from its original position in order to break the roots from the ground. With the roots loose, he started a takeoff and the tree left the ground and was in the air for approximately 25-50 yards. The roots then impacted the ground, the Kevlar long line snapped about midpoint and the broken end rebounded up into the tail rotor. The pilot stated that he immediately realized he had a tail rotor failure. He informed the ground crew and found the only open area, which was approximately 100 yards from the point of failure. On the second 360 degree spin, he chopped the throttle when the nose was pointed at the intended crash site. He stated that he realized he was too low to make it, so he pulled pitch, which put him in a rapid spin. He struck some trees on his second or third spin and then fell. After impact, he evacuated from the helicopter. ## Aircraft - Registration: N83NW (not matched to a registry record) - Reported make and model: Garlick UH-1H - Category: Helicopter - Serial number: 64-13699 - Airframe hours: 16203 - Engines: Lycoming T53-L-13B 1200 horsepower turbo shaft - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 133 - Operator: Northwest Helicopters, Inc. - Registered owner: Reynolds Aviation, Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, July 20, 1998, 26 hours before ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 50; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 8,660 total, 4,160 in this make and model, 8,500 as pilot in command, 107 in the last 90 days, 67 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °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 19980724023869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980724023869A), Jul 24, 1998: Bell UH1H, Libby, MT, Substantial damage. Long line failed rapped around tail rotor. Autorotated to a road. (.4)the pilot stated that while conducting external load logging operations, he was hooked up… 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.