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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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April 24, 1998 · Bell 206B · N108RL

Jasper, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 24, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Jasper, TX
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N108RL
Operator
Lonnie G Jensen
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW98LA195

According to the pilot, a 100-hour inspection of the helicopter was due, and ground handling wheels were not available to ground handle the helicopter into the hangar for the scheduled maintenance. The mechanic asked the pilot to reposition the helicopter on a utility trailer, equipped with 18 inch side rails, so the helicopter could be taken to the hangar. The pilot's reasoning was influenced by the fact that the helicopter was scheduled for an aerial application flight the next morning. While landing on the trailer, the toe of the left skid became caught under the side rail of the trailer, and the helicopter encountered a dynamic rollover. The main rotor blades contacted the ground, and the helicopter came to rest on its left side.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's encounter with a dynamic rollover after the toe of the left skid became caught on a trailer, while attempting to land the trailer. A related factor was: the pilot's perception of pressure, which was induced by a need to perform a scheduled inspection.

Full Narrative

On April 24, 1998, at 1645 central daylight time, a Bell 206B helicopter, N108RL, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while landing near Jasper, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the helicopter, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the repositioning flight. The helicopter was owned by Rotorcraft Technology Inc., of Lafayette, Louisiana, and was being operated by North Star Helicopters Inc., of Jasper, Texas, under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The positioning flight was originating when the accident occurred. According to the pilot, the helicopter was due a 100-hour inspection. The helicopter was scheduled for another aerial application flight next morning. The pilot added that ground handling wheels were not available to ground handle the helicopter into the hangar for the scheduled maintenance. As a last resort, the mechanic asked the pilot to reposition the helicopter on a utility trailer equipped with 18 inch side rails, so the aircraft could be moved into the hangar to perform the inspection. The pilot stated that after assessing the situation, he agreed to reposition the helicopter onto the trailer. The pilot added that while repositioning the helicopter, the toe of the left landing gear skid was caught under the side rail of the trailer. As the pilot attempted to dislodge the skid from the trailer, the helicopter encountered dynamic rollover. After the main rotor blades contacted the ground, the helicopter came to rest on its left side. Examination of the helicopter by the FAA inspector confirmed that the main rotor blades, the main rotor mast and left horizontal stabilizer sustained structural damage. On the recommendation to prevent similar accident block of the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot stated: "should not have been attempted on a trailer with holes in the sides for the skids to become lodged."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 CDT
Nearest AirportJasper County-Bell Field (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN108RL
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLonnie G Jensen
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 400
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 50
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data