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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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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NTSB Report

March 25, 2001 · Bell UH-1H · N56CF

Zuni, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 25, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Zuni, NM
Aircraft
Bell UH-1H
Tail Number
N56CF
Operator
Vertol Systems
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN01LA077

While in cruise flight, the pilot noticed an illuminated master caution light and high engine oil temperature. A few moments later, he received a report from a pilot in a second helicopter telling him that his engine was on fire. The pilot then noticed an engine chip light. He shut down the engine and "initiated an autorotation." The engine seized at approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL) and the helicopter hit the ground hard. The skids grabbed in the soft dirt and collapsed. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the skids, bottom of fuselage and fire damage to the engine. The fire extinguished prior to landing. An examination of the engine at a helicopter repair station in Redding, California, identified that the "engine's number three and four bearing pack seal had failed." The failure resulted in "high engine oil temperature, which led to the engine fire and subsequent failure of the engine."

NTSB Probable Cause

a hard landing due to the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during autorotation/flare. A factor was the total loss of engine power due to mechanical failure.

Full Narrative

On March 25, 2001, at approximately 1330 mountain standard time, a Bell UH-1H helicopter, N56CF, was substantially damaged when it collided with the terrain during an emergency landing near Zuni, New Mexico. The commercial pilot and sole occupant was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for this ferry flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Double Eagle II Airport, Albuquerque, New Mexico, at approximately 1230. According to the pilot, he noticed an illuminated master caution light and high engine oil temperature. A few moments later, he received a report from a pilot in a second helicopter telling him that his engine was on fire. The pilot then noticed an engine chip light. He shut down the engine and "initiated an autorotation." The engine seized at approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL) and the helicopter hit the ground hard. The pilot stated that he "elected to run the A/C on because of the altitude (7,800') and being downwind. The landing worked out fine until the skids grabbed in the soft dirt and collapsed." The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the skids, bottom of fuselage and fire damage to the engine. The fire extinguished prior to landing. An examination of the engine at a helicopter repair station in Redding, California, identified that the "engine's number three and four bearing pack seal had failed." The failure resulted in "high engine oil temperature, which led to the engine fire and subsequent failure of the engine."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell UH-1H
Tail NumberN56CF
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorVertol Systems
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsLycoming · T53-13 · Turboshaft · 1100
Seats13

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 16 C
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data