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NTSB Report
May 31, 1989 · Bell 206-L · N501RS
Wading River, NY
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 31, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Wading River, NY
Aircraft
Bell 206-L
Tail Number
N501RS
Operator
American Helicopter
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC89LA141
DURING A POWERLINE PATROL, THE HELICOPTER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER AND MADE A FORCED LANDING NEAR AN ELECTRIC PLANT IN WADING RIVER. THE PILOT SAID THAT AFTER COMPLETING A 180 DEGREE TURN HE HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THE ENGINE OUT LIGHT ILLUMINATED; THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND WHEN POWER WAS ADDED. HE SAID HE ENTERED AN AUTOROTATION WHILE TURNING TOWARD AN OPEN AREA. AT TOUCHDOWN THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES FLEXED DOWN AND CHOPPED THE REAR PORTION OF THE TAIL BOOM. AN ENGINE TEARDOWN WAS PERFORMED AND IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT THERE WAS COMPRESSOR FAILURE.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CONTROL THE RATE OF DESCENT WHICH RESULTED IN A HARD LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS A POWER LOSS DUE TO A COMPRESSOR FAILURE.
Full Narrative
DURING A POWERLINE PATROL, THE HELICOPTER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER AND MADE A FORCED LANDING NEAR AN ELECTRIC PLANT IN WADING RIVER. THE PILOT SAID THAT AFTER COMPLETING A 180 DEGREE TURN HE HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THE ENGINE OUT LIGHT ILLUMINATED; THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND WHEN POWER WAS ADDED. HE SAID HE ENTERED AN AUTOROTATION WHILE TURNING TOWARD AN OPEN AREA. AT TOUCHDOWN THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES FLEXED DOWN AND CHOPPED THE REAR PORTION OF THE TAIL BOOM. AN ENGINE TEARDOWN WAS PERFORMED AND IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT THERE WAS COMPRESSOR FAILURE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:05 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206-L
Tail NumberN501RS
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAmerican Helicopter
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 400
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 30 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 9 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO