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NTSB Report
January 7, 1986 · Bell 206B · N520EH
Port O'Connor, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 7, 1986
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Port O'Connor, TX
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N520EH
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW86FA033
THE HELICOPTER SUSTAINED A LOSS OF TAILROTOR DRIVE ON LIFT OFF. A BONDING IN A SHAFT COUPLING FAILED. EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS DISCOVERED NO DISCREPANCIES IN DESIGN, PRODUCTION, QUALITY ASSURANCE, MAINTENANCE OR OPERATING ENVIRONMENT THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN THIS FAILURE. ONLY ONE PREVIOUS OCCURRENCE WAS DOCUMENTED, IN AN ASSEMBLY FROM ANOTHER VENDOR.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER SUSTAINED A LOSS OF TAILROTOR DRIVE ON LIFT OFF. A BONDING IN A SHAFT COUPLING FAILED. EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS DISCOVERED NO DISCREPANCIES IN DESIGN, PRODUCTION, QUALITY ASSURANCE, MAINTENANCE OR OPERATING ENVIRONMENT THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN THIS FAILURE. ONLY ONE PREVIOUS OCCURRENCE WAS DOCUMENTED, IN AN ASSEMBLY FROM ANOTHER VENDOR.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:35 CST
Nearest AirportEra Heliport (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN520EH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 20 kt, gusting 5 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingOvercast 600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO