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NTSB Report
March 3, 1992 · Bell 206B III · N3201R
Falfurrias, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 3, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Falfurrias, TX
Aircraft
Bell 206B III
Tail Number
N3201R
Operator
Texas Dept of Public Safety
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW92GA080
THE AIRCRAFT WAS CONDUCTING A COVERT DRUG INTERDICTION MISSION AT A REMOTE LANDING SITE. THE PILOT LIFTED OFF TO A HOVER AND WAS GOING TO TAKE OFF IN A BLACKED OUT CONFIGURATION SO AS TO NOT ALERT THE SMUGGLERS OF THE AIRCRAFT'S PRESENCE. AS THE PILOT PREPARED TO INITIATE THE FORWARD FLIGHT PORTION OF THE TAKEOFF, THE AIRCRAFT DRIFTED TO THE REAR AND COLLIDED WITH AN UNOCCUPIED MOBILE HOME. THE LEFT STABILIZER AND THE LEFT SIDE OF THE AIRCRAFT CAME INTO CONTACT WITH THE TRAILER AND THE AIRCRAFT ROLLED OVER ONTO THE ROOF. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE OVERCAST WITH GUSTY WINDS AND DARK NIGHT WITH NO AMBIENT LIGHT. THE OBSERVER STATED THAT HE PERCEIVED THE AIRCRAFT DRIFTING BACKWARDS BUT DID NOT WARN THE PILOT EARLY ENOUGH FOR CORRECTIVE ACTION. THE OPERATOR DID NOT HAVE FORMAL TRAINING PROCEDURES DEVELOPED FOR THE BLACKED OUT OPERATION OR FOR THE ORIENTATION OF OBSERVERS IN SURVEILLANCE OR AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DUE TO HIS ABILITY TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT BEING RESTRICTED. FACTORS WERE THE OBSERVER'S DELAY IN INFORMING THE PILOT OF THE REARWARD DRIFT AND THE DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS.
Full Narrative
THE AIRCRAFT WAS CONDUCTING A COVERT DRUG INTERDICTION MISSION AT A REMOTE LANDING SITE. THE PILOT LIFTED OFF TO A HOVER AND WAS GOING TO TAKE OFF IN A BLACKED OUT CONFIGURATION SO AS TO NOT ALERT THE SMUGGLERS OF THE AIRCRAFT'S PRESENCE. AS THE PILOT PREPARED TO INITIATE THE FORWARD FLIGHT PORTION OF THE TAKEOFF, THE AIRCRAFT DRIFTED TO THE REAR AND COLLIDED WITH AN UNOCCUPIED MOBILE HOME. THE LEFT STABILIZER AND THE LEFT SIDE OF THE AIRCRAFT CAME INTO CONTACT WITH THE TRAILER AND THE AIRCRAFT ROLLED OVER ONTO THE ROOF. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE OVERCAST WITH GUSTY WINDS AND DARK NIGHT WITH NO AMBIENT LIGHT. THE OBSERVER STATED THAT HE PERCEIVED THE AIRCRAFT DRIFTING BACKWARDS BUT DID NOT WARN THE PILOT EARLY ENOUGH FOR CORRECTIVE ACTION. THE OPERATOR DID NOT HAVE FORMAL TRAINING PROCEDURES DEVELOPED FOR THE BLACKED OUT OPERATION OR FOR THE ORIENTATION OF OBSERVERS IN SURVEILLANCE OR AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:35 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206B III
Tail NumberN3201R
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTexas Dept of Public Safety
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250C-20J · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind160° @ 14 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 700 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 66 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO