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NTSB Report
June 27, 1983 · Bell 206L-1 · N3904L
Lafayette, LA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 27, 1983
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lafayette, LA
Aircraft
Bell 206L-1
Tail Number
N3904L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW83LA297
THE HELICOPTER MADE A HARD PRECAUTIONARY LANDING AFTER THE PLT NOTED THE ROTOR RPM AND N2 WOULD BLEED OFF WHEN COLLECTIVE PITCH WAS INCREASED TO 80 PERCENT TORQUE. THE PLT RETURNED TO THE ARPT AND ELECTED TO AUTOROTATE INSTEAD OF LANDING WITH POWER AVAILABLE. THE AUTOROTATION RESULTED IN A HARD LANDING. THE POWER LOSS WAS FOUND TO BE CAUSED BY FAILURE OF THE FULL CONTROL LEVER TO OPEN FULLY. THIS WAS THE RESULT OF A MECHANIC OVERTIGHTING THE THROTTLE LINKAGE WHEN A PLT COMPLAINED OF THROTTLE CREEPING OPEN. THIS CREEPING IS CONSIDERED NORMAL ON A BELL 206L-1 ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER MADE A HARD PRECAUTIONARY LANDING AFTER THE PLT NOTED THE ROTOR RPM AND N2 WOULD BLEED OFF WHEN COLLECTIVE PITCH WAS INCREASED TO 80 PERCENT TORQUE. THE PLT RETURNED TO THE ARPT AND ELECTED TO AUTOROTATE INSTEAD OF LANDING WITH POWER AVAILABLE. THE AUTOROTATION RESULTED IN A HARD LANDING. THE POWER LOSS WAS FOUND TO BE CAUSED BY FAILURE OF THE FULL CONTROL LEVER TO OPEN FULLY. THIS WAS THE RESULT OF A MECHANIC OVERTIGHTING THE THROTTLE LINKAGE WHEN A PLT COMPLAINED OF THROTTLE CREEPING OPEN. THIS CREEPING IS CONSIDERED NORMAL ON A BELL 206L-1 ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 CDT
Nearest AirportMunicipal (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206L-1
Tail NumberN3904L
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250C-28 · Turboshaft · 435
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 29 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 9 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2000 ft
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time13:50
Weather SourceWFAC