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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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July 2, 1984 · Bell 206B · N3173L

Englewood, CO

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 2, 1984
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Englewood, CO
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N3173L
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
DEN84FA207

WITNESSES STATED THE HELICOPTER ENTERED A 'HARD LEFT TURN' INTO A NEAR INVERTED POSITION BEFORE 'IT WENT DOWN HARD AND FAST.' INSPECTION DISCLOSED THE METAL CONNECTION FOR THE LEFT CYCLIC STICK WAS BROKEN IN HALF. (PLT WAS FLYING FROM LEFT SEAT.) EXAM OF THE CYCLIC STICK QUICK DISCONNECT LOCKING NUT REVEALED IT WAS HELD IN PLACE ON THE CONNECTOR BY 1 THREAD. PROPERLY INSTALLED, THE LOCKING NUT TIGHTENS DOWN OVER 6 THREADS ON THE CONNECTOR. WHEN BACKED OUT TO 1 THREAD, MOVEMENT OF THE CYCLIC WILL NOT NOT PRODUCE A CORRESPONDING CHANGE IN THE LATERAL CONTROL HYDRAULIC SERVOS. THE CYCLIC WAS LAST REMOVED APRX 80 HRS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT DURING MAINTENANCE. ON 7/17/84, BELL ISSUED OPERATIONS SAFETY NOTICE WHICH IN PART READ, 'FLIGHT CREWS ARE CAUTIONED TO ASSURE QUICK REMOVAL FLIGHT CONTROLS ARE PROPERLY INSTALLED PRIOR TO OPERATING THE HELICOPTER.' PRIOR TO THIS NOTICE, NO REQUIREMENTS EXISTED TO DO SO.

Full Narrative

WITNESSES STATED THE HELICOPTER ENTERED A 'HARD LEFT TURN' INTO A NEAR INVERTED POSITION BEFORE 'IT WENT DOWN HARD AND FAST.' INSPECTION DISCLOSED THE METAL CONNECTION FOR THE LEFT CYCLIC STICK WAS BROKEN IN HALF. (PLT WAS FLYING FROM LEFT SEAT.) EXAM OF THE CYCLIC STICK QUICK DISCONNECT LOCKING NUT REVEALED IT WAS HELD IN PLACE ON THE CONNECTOR BY 1 THREAD. PROPERLY INSTALLED, THE LOCKING NUT TIGHTENS DOWN OVER 6 THREADS ON THE CONNECTOR. WHEN BACKED OUT TO 1 THREAD, MOVEMENT OF THE CYCLIC WILL NOT NOT PRODUCE A CORRESPONDING CHANGE IN THE LATERAL CONTROL HYDRAULIC SERVOS. THE CYCLIC WAS LAST REMOVED APRX 80 HRS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT DURING MAINTENANCE. ON 7/17/84, BELL ISSUED OPERATIONS SAFETY NOTICE WHICH IN PART READ, 'FLIGHT CREWS ARE CAUTIONED TO ASSURE QUICK REMOVAL FLIGHT CONTROLS ARE PROPERLY INSTALLED PRIOR TO OPERATING THE HELICOPTER.' PRIOR TO THIS NOTICE, NO REQUIREMENTS EXISTED TO DO SO.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:14 MDT
Nearest AirportArapahoe County (1nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN3173L
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20J · Turboshaft · 317
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 12 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:25
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data