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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 26, 1995 · Bell 206B · N85CA

Talkeetna, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 26, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Talkeetna, AK
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N85CA
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC95LA115

THE PILOT'S RIGHT FOOT BECAME STUCK UNDER THE RIGHT ANTI-TORQUE PEDAL DURING AN APPROACH TO A SANDBAR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO FREE HIS FOOT, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT, RESULTING IN A CRASH ONTO THE SANDBAR. FAA MEDICAL RECORDS INDICATED THAT THE PILOT WAS AN INCOMPLETE PARAPLEGIC, AND HIS MEDICAL CERTIFICATE WAS VALID FOR STUDENT PRIVILEGES ONLY. THE PILOT DID NOT REPORT ANY PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE INADVERTENT RESTRICTION OF THE ANTI-TORQUE PEDAL BY THE PILOT'S FOOT, WHILE THE PILOT (AN INCOMPLETE PARAPLEGIC) WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND.

Full Narrative

On July 26, 1995, about 1300 Alaska daylight time, N85CA, a Bell 206B helicopter, operated by the owner/pilot, collided with terrain during an uncontrolled descent and was substantially damaged near Talkeetna, Alaska. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight departed from Palmer, Alaska, and was conducted under 14 CFR 91. According to the pilot, he was practicing an approach to landing on a sand bar when his right foot became "hooked" under the right anti-torque pedal. The helicopter spun out of control from an altitude of about 50 feet and impacted the sand bar, causing substantial damage. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were reported. The pilot stated that he is an incomplete paraplegic and holds an FAA Third Class Medical Certificate. According to FAA records, the pilot's medical certificate is "valid for student pilot purposes only" because of his partial paralysis.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN85CA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20 · Turboshaft · 317
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 8 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 46
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data