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NTSB Report
February 18, 1984 · Bell 206L-3 · N3893U
Lake City, CO
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 18, 1984
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 6 uninjured
Location
Lake City, CO
Aircraft
Bell 206L-3
Tail Number
N3893U
Operator
Durango Helicopters
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN84LA093
THE HELICOPTER TOOK OFF IN MARGINAL VMC CONDITIONS AT CLOSE TO CONDITIONS REQUIRING MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE FOR TAKEOFF. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO HOVER AT 90 PERCENT RPM WAITING HE SAID 'FOR A BREEZE'. THE HOVER STIRRED UP SNOW CAUSING A WHITEOUT AND LOSS OF VISUAL CUES. WHEN THE ACFT WAS SETTLING THE PLT APPLIED 100 PERCENT TO CHECK THE DESCENT BUT THE ACFT STRUCK THE GROUND. AN ARTICLE IN FEB 1984 ISSUE OF FLYING SAFETY HAD SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS TYPE OPERATION WHICH INCLUDES 'APPLY SUFFICIENT TORQUE FOR A POSITIVE RATE OF CLIMB.'
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER TOOK OFF IN MARGINAL VMC CONDITIONS AT CLOSE TO CONDITIONS REQUIRING MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE FOR TAKEOFF. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO HOVER AT 90 PERCENT RPM WAITING HE SAID 'FOR A BREEZE'. THE HOVER STIRRED UP SNOW CAUSING A WHITEOUT AND LOSS OF VISUAL CUES. WHEN THE ACFT WAS SETTLING THE PLT APPLIED 100 PERCENT TO CHECK THE DESCENT BUT THE ACFT STRUCK THE GROUND. AN ARTICLE IN FEB 1984 ISSUE OF FLYING SAFETY HAD SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS TYPE OPERATION WHICH INCLUDES 'APPLY SUFFICIENT TORQUE FOR A POSITIVE RATE OF CLIMB.'
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206L-3
Tail NumberN3893U
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDurango Helicopters
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C30P · Turboshaft · 420
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 6 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured6
Total7
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 1 kt, gusting 12 kt
CeilingBroken clouds 1000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point12 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO