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NTSB Report
March 26, 1986 · Bell 206BIII · N3181Y
Gulf Of Mexico
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 26, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Gulf Of Mexico
Aircraft
Bell 206BIII
Tail Number
N3181Y
Operator
Petrolium Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW86LA047
THE PILOT FAILED TO ASSURE THE CABIN DOOR WAS PROPERLY CLOSED BEFORE FLIGHT, OR THE CABIN DOOR JUST POPPED OPEN DURING FLIGHT, ALLOWING AN UNSECURED LIFE VEST TO BLOW OUT THE DOOR AND INTO THE TAIL ROTOR BLADES. THIS RESULTED IN THE ENTIRE TAIL ROTOR ASSEMBLY DEPARTING THE HELICOPTER. A SUCCESSFUL EMERGENCY AUTOROTATION INTO THE WATER WAS CONDUCTED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION REVEALED NORMAL OPERATION OF THE CABIN DOOR.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT FAILED TO ASSURE THE CABIN DOOR WAS PROPERLY CLOSED BEFORE FLIGHT, OR THE CABIN DOOR JUST POPPED OPEN DURING FLIGHT, ALLOWING AN UNSECURED LIFE VEST TO BLOW OUT THE DOOR AND INTO THE TAIL ROTOR BLADES. THIS RESULTED IN THE ENTIRE TAIL ROTOR ASSEMBLY DEPARTING THE HELICOPTER. A SUCCESSFUL EMERGENCY AUTOROTATION INTO THE WATER WAS CONDUCTED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION REVEALED NORMAL OPERATION OF THE CABIN DOOR.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:25 UTC
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206BIII
Tail NumberN3181Y
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPetrolium Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250C20B · Turboshaft · 317
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 10 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 61 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO