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NTSB Report
September 9, 1985 · Mbb BK-117A-1 · N117SR
Aiken, SC
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 9, 1985
Injury Outcomes
7 injuries (1 serious injury, 6 minor injuries)
Location
Aiken, SC
Aircraft
Mbb BK-117A-1
Tail Number
N117SR
Operator
Wackenhut Services
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL85FA272
PLT WAS MANEUVERING HELICOPTER AT LOW ALT AND INTO RISING TERRAIN. ON 3RD RIGHT TURN RACETRACK PATTERN, WITNESSES OBSERVED ACFT DESCEND SLIGHTLY, ROLL INTO A 45 DEG OR GREATER BANK AND CONTACT TREES. THE ACFT STARTED A YAWING ROTATION TO THE RIGHT AND CONTACTED THE GROUND AT ABOUT A 35 DEG ANGLE OF DESCENT WHILE TRAVELING BACKWARD. ALL SEVEN OCCUPANTS SUCCESSFULLY EXITED THE ACFT THROUGH THE RIGHT DOORS. THIS WAS A SINGLE PLT OPERATION AND THE TASK LOAD AND MISSION PRESSURES WERE HIGH.
Full Narrative
PLT WAS MANEUVERING HELICOPTER AT LOW ALT AND INTO RISING TERRAIN. ON 3RD RIGHT TURN RACETRACK PATTERN, WITNESSES OBSERVED ACFT DESCEND SLIGHTLY, ROLL INTO A 45 DEG OR GREATER BANK AND CONTACT TREES. THE ACFT STARTED A YAWING ROTATION TO THE RIGHT AND CONTACTED THE GROUND AT ABOUT A 35 DEG ANGLE OF DESCENT WHILE TRAVELING BACKWARD. ALL SEVEN OCCUPANTS SUCCESSFULLY EXITED THE ACFT THROUGH THE RIGHT DOORS. THIS WAS A SINGLE PLT OPERATION AND THE TASK LOAD AND MISSION PRESSURES WERE HIGH.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:04 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMbb BK-117A-1
Tail NumberN117SR
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWackenhut Services
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsLycoming · LTS-101-650B1 · Turboshaft · 600
Seats9
People & Injuries
Injury Summary7 injuries (1 serious injury, 6 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor6
Uninjured0
Total7
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 7 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:38
Weather SourceWFAC