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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

July 24, 2002 · Bell 206B · N60PH

Elsie, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 24, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Elsie, OR
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N60PH
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA02LA137

The pilot of the Bell 206B rotorcraft was en route at 110-115 miles per hour in level cruise flight approximately 1,500 feet above ground level (agl) when the right front windscreen shattered and separated from the windscreen frame. The rotorcraft yawed to the right and entered into a descending right turn which the pilot recovered from approximately 500 feet agl. An FAA inspector who examined the helicopter after the accident reported that the center portion of the windscreen had broken inward, with the windscreen edges remaining attached to the airframe. The FAA inspector reported that his examination did not reveal any evidence of a bird strike. The windscreen had been replaced in 1992 and a warp was noted on the far right side of the pilot's windscreen when the rotorcraft was acquired by the operator. The pilot reported that a mechanic associated with the previous owner said that the warp was from an unknown heat source in the past, although this could not be positively related to the accident separation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The shattering and separation of the forward right (pilot's) windscreen for undetermined reason(s).

Full Narrative

On July 24, 2002, approximately 1245 Pacific daylight time, a Bell 206B rotorcraft, N60PH, registered to/operated by Seaside Helicopters, LLC., and being flown by a commercial pilot experienced the in flight shattering/separation of the right (pilot's) windscreen near Elsie, Oregon. The rotorcraft sustained substantial damage to its rotor blades during the momentary upset and loss of control following the windscreen separation. The pilot was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions were reported at Astoria, Oregon, at 1255, and a company flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was operated under 14 CFR 91, and originated from Newberg, Oregon, approximately 1215, destined for Seaside, Oregon. The pilot reported that he was en route at 110-115 miles per hour in level cruise flight approximately 1,500 feet above ground (agl) when the right front windscreen shattered and separated from the windscreen frame. The rotorcraft yawed to the right and entered into a descending right turn which the pilot recovered from approximately 500 feet agl. The pilot reported that the windscreen had been replaced in 1992 (refer to ATTACHMENT M-I). He also reported that when the aircraft was recently acquired by the operator, there was a warp noted on the far right side of the pilot's windscreen. The pilot reported that a mechanic associated with the previous owner said that the warp was from an unknown heat source in the past (refer to NTSB Form 6120.1). An FAA inspector who examined the helicopter after the accident reported that the center portion of the windscreen had broken inward, with the windscreen edges remaining attached to the airframe. The FAA inspector reported that his examination did not reveal any evidence of a bird strike.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:45 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN60PH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 270
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 57
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time19:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data