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NTSB Report
May 22, 1991 · Bell UH-1B · N87729
Smith Cove, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 22, 1991
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Smith Cove, AK
Aircraft
Bell UH-1B
Tail Number
N87729
Operator
Northwest Helicopter
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC91LA059
THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS MANEUVERING JUST ABOVE THE TREE LEVEL WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE TURBINE WHEEL DISINTEGRATED IN FLIGHT CAUSING A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER.
NTSB Probable Cause
A COMPLETE LOSE OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO A TOTAL DISINTEGRATION OF THE TURBINE WHEEL.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS MANEUVERING JUST ABOVE THE TREE LEVEL WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE TURBINE WHEEL DISINTEGRATED IN FLIGHT CAUSING A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell UH-1B
Tail NumberN87729
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNorthwest Helicopter
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsLycoming · T55-L11D · Turboshaft · 1100
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO