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NTSB Report
January 18, 1985 · Bell 205A-1 · N830V
Newhall, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 18, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Location
Newhall, CA
Aircraft
Bell 205A-1
Tail Number
N830V
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX85FA115
THIS HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH HILLY TERRAIN WHILE CIRCLING AT A LOW ALTITUDE. IT WAS FOLLOWING ANOTHER HELICOPTER IN A CLOCKWISE CIRCULAR PATTERN AT THE TIME, AND BEING FILMED FOR THE T.V. SERIES 'AIR WOLF'. ONE WITNESS OBSERVED THE HELICOPTER DECENDING IN THE FINAL TURN, INSTEAD OF LEVELING OFF, UNTIL IT WAS VERY CLOSE TO THE GROUND. AS IT APPROACHED A SMALL KNOLL GROUND CONTACT OCCURRED. THE ENGINE WAS HEARD RUNNING FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER IMPACT. POST IMPACT FIRE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE DEATH OF THE PASSENGER.
Full Narrative
THIS HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH HILLY TERRAIN WHILE CIRCLING AT A LOW ALTITUDE. IT WAS FOLLOWING ANOTHER HELICOPTER IN A CLOCKWISE CIRCULAR PATTERN AT THE TIME, AND BEING FILMED FOR THE T.V. SERIES 'AIR WOLF'. ONE WITNESS OBSERVED THE HELICOPTER DECENDING IN THE FINAL TURN, INSTEAD OF LEVELING OFF, UNTIL IT WAS VERY CLOSE TO THE GROUND. AS IT APPROACHED A SMALL KNOLL GROUND CONTACT OCCURRED. THE ENGINE WAS HEARD RUNNING FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER IMPACT. POST IMPACT FIRE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE DEATH OF THE PASSENGER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:45 PST
Nearest Airport25nm NW
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 205A-1
Tail NumberN830V
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsLycoming · T3313 B · Turboshaft · 1250
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 34 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:47
Weather SourceWIT