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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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August 30, 1983 · Bell B-206B · N87TA

Bettles, AK

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 30, 1983
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Bettles, AK
Aircraft
Bell B-206B
Tail Number
N87TA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC83LA155

THE HELICOPTER MADE A AUTOROTATIVE FORCED LANDING AFTER A LOSS OF POWER DURING CRUISE. THE LANDING WAS MADE ON A ROAD AND THE MAIN ROTOR SEVERED THE TAILBOOM. DURING THE POST-ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION A LEAK WAS FOUND IN THE AUTO VALVE(PART NUMBER 206061634-3) OF THE FUEL PUMP. ALSO SOME BRASS AND LEAD WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL AND THE FUEL PUMP IS THE ONLY ELEMENT IN THE FUEL SYSTEM TO USE BRASS BUSHINGS WHICH ARE ALSO IMPREGNATED WITH LEAD TO AID IN LUBRICATION. THE FUEL PUMPS COMPONENTS (BUSHINGS) WERE ROUND OUT OF TOLERANCE WHEN MEASURED. A REENACTMENT FLAMEOUT WAS ACCOMPLISHED WHEN THE FUEL PUMPS WERE'FAILED'BY PULLING THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND, AS IN THE ACTUAL ACCIDENT FLAMEOUT, THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS ON THE COCKPIT INSTRUMENTS.

Full Narrative

THE HELICOPTER MADE A AUTOROTATIVE FORCED LANDING AFTER A LOSS OF POWER DURING CRUISE. THE LANDING WAS MADE ON A ROAD AND THE MAIN ROTOR SEVERED THE TAILBOOM. DURING THE POST-ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION A LEAK WAS FOUND IN THE AUTO VALVE(PART NUMBER 206061634-3) OF THE FUEL PUMP. ALSO SOME BRASS AND LEAD WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL AND THE FUEL PUMP IS THE ONLY ELEMENT IN THE FUEL SYSTEM TO USE BRASS BUSHINGS WHICH ARE ALSO IMPREGNATED WITH LEAD TO AID IN LUBRICATION. THE FUEL PUMPS COMPONENTS (BUSHINGS) WERE ROUND OUT OF TOLERANCE WHEN MEASURED. A REENACTMENT FLAMEOUT WAS ACCOMPLISHED WHEN THE FUEL PUMPS WERE'FAILED'BY PULLING THE CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND, AS IN THE ACTUAL ACCIDENT FLAMEOUT, THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS ON THE COCKPIT INSTRUMENTS.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 AHDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell B-206B
Tail NumberN87TA
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · C-20 · Turboshaft · 400
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 30 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 15 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingOvercast 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data