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NTSB Report
November 1, 1985 · Bell 206L-1 · N27689
Mansfield, MO
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 1, 1985
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Mansfield, MO
Aircraft
Bell 206L-1
Tail Number
N27689
Operator
Ems
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MKC86FA020
AFTER DEPARTING WEST PLAINS HOSPITAL FOR SPRINGFIELD, TRANSFERRING A CRITICALLY INJURED PATIENT, THE PLT OF THE EMS HELICOPTER BEGAN TO ENCOUNTER DETERIORATING WEATHER. THE PLT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE CLOSE SPREAD OF TEMPERATURE AND DEW POINT, BUT HAD ADEQUATE CEILINGS AND VISIBILITIES ALONG HIS ROUTE OF FLT TO CONTINUE. AFTER CRESTING A HILL WEST OF MANSFIELD, MISSOURI, ALONG MISSOURI HWY 60, THE PLT ENCOUNTERED LOWERING CEILINGS AND LIGHT FOG. THE PLT STATED HE DID NOT LIKE THE CONDITION OF THE WEATHER AFTER PASSING THE HILL AND INITIATED A RIGHT TURN TO PROCEED BACK TO MANSFIELD. POWER LINES WERE IMPACTED BY THE HELICOPTER IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PLT INITIATED THE TURN. THE PLT DID NOT REALIZE THAT HE HAD DESCENDED LOW ENOUGH TO STRIKE THE POWER LINES THAT WERE OBSCURED IN FOG AND LOW CLOUDS.
Full Narrative
AFTER DEPARTING WEST PLAINS HOSPITAL FOR SPRINGFIELD, TRANSFERRING A CRITICALLY INJURED PATIENT, THE PLT OF THE EMS HELICOPTER BEGAN TO ENCOUNTER DETERIORATING WEATHER. THE PLT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE CLOSE SPREAD OF TEMPERATURE AND DEW POINT, BUT HAD ADEQUATE CEILINGS AND VISIBILITIES ALONG HIS ROUTE OF FLT TO CONTINUE. AFTER CRESTING A HILL WEST OF MANSFIELD, MISSOURI, ALONG MISSOURI HWY 60, THE PLT ENCOUNTERED LOWERING CEILINGS AND LIGHT FOG. THE PLT STATED HE DID NOT LIKE THE CONDITION OF THE WEATHER AFTER PASSING THE HILL AND INITIATED A RIGHT TURN TO PROCEED BACK TO MANSFIELD. POWER LINES WERE IMPACTED BY THE HELICOPTER IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PLT INITIATED THE TURN. THE PLT DID NOT REALIZE THAT HE HAD DESCENDED LOW ENOUGH TO STRIKE THE POWER LINES THAT WERE OBSCURED IN FOG AND LOW CLOUDS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:50 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206L-1
Tail NumberN27689
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorEms
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250C-28 · Turboshaft · 435
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind340° @ 7 kt
Visibility1 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 46
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:48
Weather SourceWFAC