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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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February 16, 1988 · Bell 206B · N21197

Martinsville, IN

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 16, 1988
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries), 1 uninjured
Location
Martinsville, IN
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N21197
Operator
Roto-Whirl
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI88LA064

WHILE ENGAGED IN INTENTIONAL LOW LEVEL FLIGHT FOR THE PURPOSE OF DOING ADVERTISING PHOTOGRAPHY, THE HELICOPTER EXPERIENCED A WIRE STRIKE. THE WIRE WOUND AROUND THE MAIN ROTOR AND PULLED THE HELICOPTER TO THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE PILOT AND ONE PASSENGER RECEIVED SERIOUS INJURIES AND ONE PASSENGER SUSTAINED NO REPORTED INJURIES.

Full Narrative

WHILE ENGAGED IN INTENTIONAL LOW LEVEL FLIGHT FOR THE PURPOSE OF DOING ADVERTISING PHOTOGRAPHY, THE HELICOPTER EXPERIENCED A WIRE STRIKE. THE WIRE WOUND AROUND THE MAIN ROTOR AND PULLED THE HELICOPTER TO THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE PILOT AND ONE PASSENGER RECEIVED SERIOUS INJURIES AND ONE PASSENGER SUSTAINED NO REPORTED INJURIES.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:40 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN21197
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRoto-Whirl
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20J · Turboshaft · 317
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total3
Crew 1Age 45 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind112° @ 19 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point25 C / 18 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data