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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

November 29, 1996 · Bell 206B · N6262N

Mcgregor Point, HI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 29, 1996
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Mcgregor Point, HI
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N6262N
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX97LA057

The helicopter was operating in mountainous terrain assisting in the construction of power lines. The helicopter was positioning the passenger near the conductor lines in preparation for a line-pull. The passenger was sitting behind the pilot in the rear seat. The passenger would physically kick the travelers into the proper position at the top of the 80-foot metal pole in preparation for a line pull to establish proper tension. According to the witnesses, the helicopter was approaching pole number 89 from the upwind side to straighten the traveler. As they aligned the traveler and moved away, the rotor wash cocked the traveler off-line again. The helicopter reapproached the pole at a speed higher than before. The helicopter skid contacted the pole 2 feet below the top and the helicopter dynamically rolled over the top of the pole. The pole entered the pilot's doorway. The pilot released all controls and braced himself against the pole during the maneuver. The helicopter severed three main conductors before colliding with the ground.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft and distance from the pole.

Full Narrative

On November 29, 1996, at 1330 hours Hawaiian standard time, a Bell 206B, N6262N, operated by Pacific Helicopter Tours, Inc., of Kahului, Hawaii, was substantially damaged near McGregor Point, Maui, Hawaii, during a power line construction project. The pilot and his passenger both received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the operation and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at 0630 on the morning of the accident. According to the operator, the helicopter was operating in mountainous terrain assisting in the construction of power lines. At the time of the accident, the helicopter was positioning the passenger near the conductor lines in preparation for a line pull. The passenger was sitting behind the pilot in the rear seat. The passenger would physically kick the travelers into the proper position at the top of the 80-foot metal pole in preparation for a line-pull to establish proper tension. According to witnesses, the helicopter was approaching pole number 89 from the upwind side to straighten the traveler. As they aligned the traveler and moved away, the rotor wash cocked the traveler off-line again. The helicopter reapproached the pole at a speed higher than before. The helicopter skid contacted the pole about 2 feet below the top and the helicopter dynamically rolled over the top of the pole. The pole entered the pilot's doorway. The pilot released all controls and braced himself against the pole during the maneuver. The helicopter severed the three main conductors before colliding with the ground.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 HST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN6262N
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20 · Turboshaft · 400
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 17 kt, gusting 23 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data