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October 7, 1999 · Bell 206B · N6624N

Apache Junction, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 7, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Apache Junction, AZ
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N6624N
Operator
Arizona Heliservices
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX00LA055

While in cruise flight about 600 feet agl, the pilot noticed that the engine oil pressure was high and the torque gauge was exceeding the high limits. The engine chip light became illuminated. As the pilot descended to make an immediate landing, the engine quit about 75 to 100 feet agl. The pilot autorotated to the ground. The main rotor blades severed the tail cone aft of the horizontal stabilizer after the toe of the left skid became entangled in a large bush and separated. A teardown examination of the engine was conducted. The mechanic reported that the Nos. 6 and 7 bearings displayed evidence of heat distress and oil starvation. When he blew through the oil jet for the Nos. 6 and 7 bearings, he heard something pop out. He opined that it might have been a piece of carbon, which could have prevented the flow of oil into the turbine. He stated that all other components of the lubrication system were intact and functional. No other discrepancies were found.

NTSB Probable Cause

Oil starvation and seizure of the engines Nos. 6 and 7 bearings due to a clogged oil jet, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On October 7, 1999, at 1015 hours mountain standard time, a Bell 206B, N6624N, experienced a loss of engine power and collided with high vegitation during a forced landing near Apache Junction, Arizona. The helicopter, operated by Arizona HeliServices, Inc., of Chandler, Arizona, sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot and two passengers were not injured. The local personal flight, conducted under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, originated from the Cochise County Airport, Willcox, Arizona, about 0905, and was en route to Falcon Field, Mesa, Arizona. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that while in cruise flight about 600 feet agl, he noticed that the engine oil pressure was "exceedingly high," and the torque gauge was exceeding the high limits (120+). The engine chip light became illuminated. The pilot lowered the collective with no apparent effect on the torque gauge reading. As he descended to make an immediate landing, the engine quit about 75 to 100 feet agl. The pilot autorotated to the ground with a slight aft skid touchdown and minimum forward airspeed. The left skid toe became embedded in a creosote bush and the helicopter turned left 90 degrees. The left skid separated from the crossmember and the left side of the nose dipped. The main rotor blades severed the tail cone aft of the horizontal stabilizer. The right skid separated but the helicopter remained upright. A teardown examination of the engine was conducted. The mechanic reported that the Nos. 6 and 7 bearings displayed evidence of heat distress and oil starvation. He blew through the oil jet for the Nos. 6 and 7 bearings and thought it seemed to be partially blocked. He then blew compressed air through the oil jet and heard something pop out. He opined that it might have been a piece of carbon, which could have clogged the jet and blocked the flow of oil. He stated that all other components of the lubrication system were intact and functional. No other discrepancies were found.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:15 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN6624N
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorArizona Heliservices
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data