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NTSB Report
May 27, 1983 · Bell 206B · N16937
Billings, MT
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 27, 1983
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Billings, MT
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N16937
Operator
Beartooth Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN83FA122
THE HELICOPTER MADE A HARD AUTOROTATIVE LANDING AFTER TAKEOFF FROM AN OFF ARPT LANDING STIE. THE PLT WAS ON A PERSONAL FLT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHEN A ENGINE FIRE/EXPLOSION FORCED HIM TO LAND. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE PLT AFTER LANDING. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO ERROR IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE 1ST STAGE TURBINE WHEEL. ACCORDING TO AN ALLISON SPOKESMAN THE ERROR IN PROPER WEB THICKNESS WAS MADE DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND ESCAPED DETECTION.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER MADE A HARD AUTOROTATIVE LANDING AFTER TAKEOFF FROM AN OFF ARPT LANDING STIE. THE PLT WAS ON A PERSONAL FLT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHEN A ENGINE FIRE/EXPLOSION FORCED HIM TO LAND. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE PLT AFTER LANDING. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO ERROR IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE 1ST STAGE TURBINE WHEEL. ACCORDING TO AN ALLISON SPOKESMAN THE ERROR IN PROPER WEB THICKNESS WAS MADE DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND ESCAPED DETECTION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:00 MDT
Nearest Airport45nm SE
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireBoth
Aircraft ExplosionIflt
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN16937
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBeartooth Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 317
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind150° @ 7 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingOvercast 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point36 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time01:53
Weather SourceWFAC