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NTSB Report
January 27, 1984 · Bell 206B · N51DC
Stuart, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 27, 1984
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (1 fatality, 2 serious injuries)
Location
Stuart, FL
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N51DC
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA84FA067
WITNESSES OBSERVED THE HELICOPTER FLYING AT 100 TO 150 FT ABOVE THE WATER & ABOUT 100 YDS OFFSHORE. THEY OBSERVED & HEARD NOTHING UNUSUAL, EXCEPT THEY SAID THE HELICOPTER BEGAN DESCENDING UNTIL IT IMPACTED THE WATER. THE REAR DOORS HAD BEEN REMOVED FOR THE FLT. BOTH PASSENGERS RELATED THAT A SEAT CUSHION WAS LOOSE AND THE PLT TURNED IN HIS SEAT WITH HIS ARM BEHIND THE SEAT & WAS TRYING TO SECURE THE CUSHION WHEN THE HELICOPTER SUDDENLY DESCENDED INTO THE WATER. NEITHER PASSENGER NOTICED ANYTHING UNUSUAL IN THE OPERATION OF THE HELICOPTER BEFORE IT CRASHED.
Full Narrative
WITNESSES OBSERVED THE HELICOPTER FLYING AT 100 TO 150 FT ABOVE THE WATER & ABOUT 100 YDS OFFSHORE. THEY OBSERVED & HEARD NOTHING UNUSUAL, EXCEPT THEY SAID THE HELICOPTER BEGAN DESCENDING UNTIL IT IMPACTED THE WATER. THE REAR DOORS HAD BEEN REMOVED FOR THE FLT. BOTH PASSENGERS RELATED THAT A SEAT CUSHION WAS LOOSE AND THE PLT TURNED IN HIS SEAT WITH HIS ARM BEHIND THE SEAT & WAS TRYING TO SECURE THE CUSHION WHEN THE HELICOPTER SUDDENLY DESCENDED INTO THE WATER. NEITHER PASSENGER NOTICED ANYTHING UNUSUAL IN THE OPERATION OF THE HELICOPTER BEFORE IT CRASHED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:20 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN51DC
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 317
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (1 fatality, 2 serious injuries)
Fatal1
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 43 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourceWFAC