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NTSB Report
December 18, 1988 · Bell 206L-1 · N5012J
Linwood, KS
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 18, 1988
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Location
Linwood, KS
Aircraft
Bell 206L-1
Tail Number
N5012J
Operator
St Louis Helicopter Arwys
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC89LA041
THE PILOT SAID THAT AFTER COMPLETING AN EMS MISSION, WHILE ENROUTE BACK TO THE HOME BASE, HE THOUGHT HE SAW SMOKE ON THE GROUND, AND DECIDED TO MAKE A CLOSER, VISUAL CHECK. CRUISING INITIALLY AT 1000 AGL, HE BEGAN A CRUISE DESCENT TO BETTER INSPECT THE SMOKE. THE HELICOPTER STRUCK POWER LINES ABOUT 60 FEET AGL. AN EMERGENCY AUTOROTATION WAS ATTEMPTED AND A HARD LANDING WAS MADE IN A SHALLOW RIVER.
NTSB Probable Cause
POOR IN-FLIGHT PLANNING AND DECISION, INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT, AND CLEARANCE NOT ATTAINED BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT SAID THAT AFTER COMPLETING AN EMS MISSION, WHILE ENROUTE BACK TO THE HOME BASE, HE THOUGHT HE SAW SMOKE ON THE GROUND, AND DECIDED TO MAKE A CLOSER, VISUAL CHECK. CRUISING INITIALLY AT 1000 AGL, HE BEGAN A CRUISE DESCENT TO BETTER INSPECT THE SMOKE. THE HELICOPTER STRUCK POWER LINES ABOUT 60 FEET AGL. AN EMERGENCY AUTOROTATION WAS ATTEMPTED AND A HARD LANDING WAS MADE IN A SHALLOW RIVER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206L-1
Tail NumberN5012J
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSt Louis Helicopter Arwys
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C28B · Turboshaft · 435
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor4
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 41 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 19 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourceWFAC