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NTSB Report
April 18, 1987 · Bell 206L-3 · N38886
Denver, CO
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 18, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Denver, CO
Aircraft
Bell 206L-3
Tail Number
N38886
Operator
Mayo Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN87LA107
AN ATP PLT WAS CONDUCTING A SIGHT SEEING FLT OVER DENVER. THE PLT HAD 9 HOURS TOTAL TIME IN THIS MODEL HELICOPTER, 6 HOURS AS PIC. A HOVERING TAKEOFF WAS INITIATED TO THE NORTH WITH LEFT TURN TO THE WEST AFTER TAKEOFF. CURRENT WINDS WERE REPORTED FROM 220 DEGREES AT 17 KNOTS, GUSTING TO 27 KNOTS. THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS 7,600 FEET. THE PLT LANDED ON THE TAXIWAY FROM 25 TO 30 FEET ALTITUDE, WITH LOW ROTOR RPM WHICH RESULTED IN A HARD LANDING AND DAMAGE TO THE SKIDS AND THE LOWER CABIN AREA. A POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION WAS CONDUCTED BY AN A & P MECHANIC. NO ENGINE RUN WAS POSSIBLE BUT A COMPLETE PNEUMATIC, FUEL SYSTEM AND COMPRESSOR INSPECTION WAS PERFORMED AND NO EVIDENCE OF AN ENGINE MALFUNCTION/FAILURE WAS NOTED.
Full Narrative
AN ATP PLT WAS CONDUCTING A SIGHT SEEING FLT OVER DENVER. THE PLT HAD 9 HOURS TOTAL TIME IN THIS MODEL HELICOPTER, 6 HOURS AS PIC. A HOVERING TAKEOFF WAS INITIATED TO THE NORTH WITH LEFT TURN TO THE WEST AFTER TAKEOFF. CURRENT WINDS WERE REPORTED FROM 220 DEGREES AT 17 KNOTS, GUSTING TO 27 KNOTS. THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS 7,600 FEET. THE PLT LANDED ON THE TAXIWAY FROM 25 TO 30 FEET ALTITUDE, WITH LOW ROTOR RPM WHICH RESULTED IN A HARD LANDING AND DAMAGE TO THE SKIDS AND THE LOWER CABIN AREA. A POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION WAS CONDUCTED BY AN A & P MECHANIC. NO ENGINE RUN WAS POSSIBLE BUT A COMPLETE PNEUMATIC, FUEL SYSTEM AND COMPRESSOR INSPECTION WAS PERFORMED AND NO EVIDENCE OF AN ENGINE MALFUNCTION/FAILURE WAS NOTED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:45 MDT
Nearest AirportStapleton Int'L Airport (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206L-3
Tail NumberN38886
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMayo Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C30P · Turboshaft · 650
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 43 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 17 kt, gusting 27 kt
Visibility65 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point18 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:51
Weather SourceWFAC