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NTSB Report
February 23, 1992 · Bell 214B-1 · N814RM
Hobart Bay, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 23, 1992
Injury Outcomes
11 injuries (6 fatalities, 5 serious injuries)
Location
Hobart Bay, AK
Aircraft
Bell 214B-1
Tail Number
N814RM
Operator
Rmh Aerologging
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ANC92FA040
THE PILOT IN COMMAND HAD A MECHANIC ATTACH A 30 FOOT CHOKER CABLE TO THE EXTERNAL CARGO HOOK SO THAT WHEN HE CAME TO A HOVER TO PICK UP PASSENGERS, THE CABLE WOULD TOUCH THE GROUND AND DISSIPATE THE STATIC ELECTRICITY. AFTER PICKING UP THE LAST TIMBER CUTTERS, EN ROUTE TO BASE CAMP, THE HELICOPTER FLEW THROUGH TURBULENCE AND A PASSENGER IN THE CABIN YELLED. THE PILOT TURNED TO LOOK AT THE PASSENGER, LOOKED FORWARD, HEARD A BANG AND EXPERIENCED A YAW. THE TAIL ROTOR AND 90 DEGREE GEARBOX SEPARATED FROM THE HELICOPTER AND HE AUTOROTATED INTO TALL TREES. SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION SHOWED THE MARKS IN THE TAILROTOR BLADE MATCHED THE SOCKET SHAPE AT THE END OF THE CABLE.
NTSB Probable Cause
SEPARATION OF THE TAIL ROTOR AND 90 DEGREE GEARBOX DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES/DIRECTIVES WHICH RESULTED IN THE EXTERNAL LOAD CABLE BECOMING ENTANGLED IN THE TAIL ROTOR. FACTORS WERE THE TURBULENT WEATHER AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT IN COMMAND HAD A MECHANIC ATTACH A 30 FOOT CHOKER CABLE TO THE EXTERNAL CARGO HOOK SO THAT WHEN HE CAME TO A HOVER TO PICK UP PASSENGERS, THE CABLE WOULD TOUCH THE GROUND AND DISSIPATE THE STATIC ELECTRICITY. AFTER PICKING UP THE LAST TIMBER CUTTERS, EN ROUTE TO BASE CAMP, THE HELICOPTER FLEW THROUGH TURBULENCE AND A PASSENGER IN THE CABIN YELLED. THE PILOT TURNED TO LOOK AT THE PASSENGER, LOOKED FORWARD, HEARD A BANG AND EXPERIENCED A YAW. THE TAIL ROTOR AND 90 DEGREE GEARBOX SEPARATED FROM THE HELICOPTER AND HE AUTOROTATED INTO TALL TREES. SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION SHOWED THE MARKS IN THE TAILROTOR BLADE MATCHED THE SOCKET SHAPE AT THE END OF THE CABLE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 AKST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 214B-1
Tail NumberN814RM
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorRmh Aerologging
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsLycoming · T-5508D · Turboshaft · 2930
Seats11
People & Injuries
Injury Summary11 injuries (6 fatalities, 5 serious injuries)
Fatal6
Serious5
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total11
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 20 kt
Visibility3 sm
CeilingOvercast 3000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point43 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO