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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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January 3, 1985 · Bell 2061-1 · N2246Q

Santa Barbara, CA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 3, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Santa Barbara, CA
Aircraft
Bell 2061-1
Tail Number
N2246Q
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX85LA092

DURING TAKEOFF & DEPARTURE, THE HELICOPTER CLIMBED TO ABOUT 150 FT AGL & STARTED TO PROCEED OVER WATER. AS IT CROSSED OVER THE SHORELINE NEAR THE END OF THE RWY, THE ENG FLAMED OUT. THE PLT TURNED ABOUT 120 DEG BACK TOWARD A BEECH AREA & MADE AN AUTOROTATIVE LANDING ON SOFT, SANDY TERRAIN. THE HEICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN WITH A FORWARD SPEED OF 8 TO 10 KTS. AS THE SKIDS SANK IN THE SAND, THE PLT APPLIED AFT CYCLIC & THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE TAIL BOOM. AN EXAM OF THE ENG & FUEL SYS REVEALED NO REASON FOR THE POWER LOSS.

Full Narrative

DURING TAKEOFF & DEPARTURE, THE HELICOPTER CLIMBED TO ABOUT 150 FT AGL & STARTED TO PROCEED OVER WATER. AS IT CROSSED OVER THE SHORELINE NEAR THE END OF THE RWY, THE ENG FLAMED OUT. THE PLT TURNED ABOUT 120 DEG BACK TOWARD A BEECH AREA & MADE AN AUTOROTATIVE LANDING ON SOFT, SANDY TERRAIN. THE HEICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN WITH A FORWARD SPEED OF 8 TO 10 KTS. AS THE SKIDS SANK IN THE SAND, THE PLT APPLIED AFT CYCLIC & THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE TAIL BOOM. AN EXAM OF THE ENG & FUEL SYS REVEALED NO REASON FOR THE POWER LOSS.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:40 PST
Nearest Airport1nm ESE
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 2061-1
Tail NumberN2246Q
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C28B · Turboshaft · 435
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 6 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:50
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data