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NTSB Report
August 4, 1989 · Bell 206-B2 · N96117
Sebeka, MN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 4, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Sebeka, MN
Aircraft
Bell 206-B2
Tail Number
N96117
Operator
Imperial International
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC89LA176
THE PILOT WAS ON AN APPROACH TO A FIELD SITE WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD 'BANG' FOLLOWED BY AN ENGINE OUT LIGHT AND AUDIO WARNING. THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING, WITH LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR CONTROL, WHICH RESULTED IN A HARD LANDING. TEARDOWN AND EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE FIRST STAGE TURBINE WHEEL FRACTURED DUE TO THERMAL FATIGUE CRACKING.
NTSB Probable Cause
POWER PLANT FAILURE DUE TO A FRACTURE OF THE FIRST STAGE TURBINE WHEEL, RESULTING IN AN UNCONTROLLED AUTOROTATION.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS ON AN APPROACH TO A FIELD SITE WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD 'BANG' FOLLOWED BY AN ENGINE OUT LIGHT AND AUDIO WARNING. THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING, WITH LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR CONTROL, WHICH RESULTED IN A HARD LANDING. TEARDOWN AND EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE FIRST STAGE TURBINE WHEEL FRACTURED DUE TO THERMAL FATIGUE CRACKING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206-B2
Tail NumberN96117
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorImperial International
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20 · Turboshaft · 400
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 8 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:49
Weather SourceWFAC