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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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October 25, 1983 · Bell 206L-3 · N38903

Grand Canyon, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 25, 1983
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (7 uninjured)
Location
Grand Canyon, AZ
Aircraft
Bell 206L-3
Tail Number
N38903
Operator
Grand Canyon Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX84FA032

WHILE ON A NON-REVENUE BUSINESS FLT, THE PLT NOTED A PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER WITH THE N1 DROPPING TO 70% RPM & THE TORQUE DECREASING TO 10%. HE WAS UNABLE TO RESTORE POWER & SUBSEQUENTLY MADE A FORCED LANDING IN THE GRAND CANYON. THE LANDING WAS MADE ON AN UPWARD SLOPE. DURING TOUCHDOWN, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK & SEVERED THE REAR PORTION OF THE TAIL BOOM. AFTER LANDING, THE N1 WAS STILL AT 70% WITH THE THROTTLE FULL OPEN. AN EXAM OF THE HELICOPTER & ENG REVEALED NO CAUSE FOR THE LOSS OF POWER. EVENTUALLY, AN OPERATIONAL CHECK OF THE ENG WAS MADE, BUT STILL NO DISCREPANCIES WERE NOTED. THE ELEVATION OF THE CRASH SITE WAS APRX 3500 FT.

Full Narrative

WHILE ON A NON-REVENUE BUSINESS FLT, THE PLT NOTED A PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER WITH THE N1 DROPPING TO 70% RPM & THE TORQUE DECREASING TO 10%. HE WAS UNABLE TO RESTORE POWER & SUBSEQUENTLY MADE A FORCED LANDING IN THE GRAND CANYON. THE LANDING WAS MADE ON AN UPWARD SLOPE. DURING TOUCHDOWN, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK & SEVERED THE REAR PORTION OF THE TAIL BOOM. AFTER LANDING, THE N1 WAS STILL AT 70% WITH THE THROTTLE FULL OPEN. AN EXAM OF THE HELICOPTER & ENG REVEALED NO CAUSE FOR THE LOSS OF POWER. EVENTUALLY, AN OPERATIONAL CHECK OF THE ENG WAS MADE, BUT STILL NO DISCREPANCIES WERE NOTED. THE ELEVATION OF THE CRASH SITE WAS APRX 3500 FT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:20 MST
Nearest Airport12nm SW
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206L-3
Tail NumberN38903
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGrand Canyon Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C30P · Turboshaft · 650
Seats8

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (7 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured7
Total7
Crew 1Age 37 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:45
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data