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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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June 24, 2005 · Bell 206L-3 · N311JX

Algonac, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 24, 2005
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Location
Algonac, MI
Aircraft
Bell 206L-3
Tail Number
N311JX
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI05CA156

The helicopter sustained substantial damage on impact with power lines, a garage, and terrain during an approach to land at a field. The pilot's accident report stated, "After we came out of the turn approximately the area of [buildings], we experienced a definite loss of tail rotor effectiveness. The helicopter rotated to the right. I immediately went with forward cyclic and lowered the collective. After 1-2 turns and losing altitude I could see this correction would not take hold before hitting the 2 story home right below us. At this point my focus went to avoid this home and try to get us to the area of the field across the street. I raised the collective causing further rotation but slowing our descent rate. While maneuvering the helicopter to the open area we struck powerlines and fell nearly vertically on the helicopter's forward and left side on a driveway between a garage and the street."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot not maintaining helicopter control, the loss of tail rotor effectiveness he encountered, and his not maintaining clearance from objects during the approach. Factor were the low altitude, the transmission lines, and the garage.

Full Narrative

On June 24, 2005, about 1520 eastern daylight time, a Bell 206L-3 helicopter, N311JX, piloted by an airline transport pilot, sustained substantial damage on impact with power lines, a garage, and terrain during an approach to land at a field near Algonac, Michigan. The personal flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan was on file. The pilot and three passengers sustained minor injuries. The flight originated from the Oakland County International Airport, near Pontiac, Michigan, about 1430. The pilot's accident report, in part, stated: While proceeding down the river ... [approximately 200 to 300 feet above ground level] we turned 90 [degrees] to make a downwind entry for our approach. Last view of airspeed indicator was between 60-50 knots. Our bank of turn was [approximately] 15 [degrees]. After we came out of the turn approximately the area of [buildings], we experienced a definite loss of tail rotor effectiveness. The helicopter rotated to the right. I immediately went with forward cyclic and lowered the collective. After 1-2 turns and losing altitude I could see this correction would not take hold before hitting the 2 story home right below us. At this point my focus went to avoid this home and try to get us to the area of the field across the street. I raised the collective causing further rotation but slowing our descent rate. While maneuvering the helicopter to the open area we struck powerlines and fell nearly vertically on the helicopter's forward and left side on a driveway between a garage and the street. The pilot did not list any mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter in reference to the flight. At 1553, the recorded weather at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Airport, near Detroit, Michigan, located about 21 nautical miles and 225 degrees from the accident site, was: Wind 170 degrees at 9 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition few clouds 5,500 feet; temperature 33 degrees C; dew point 19 degrees C; altimeter 29.99 inches of mercury. The pilot's safety recommendation was, "Loss of tail rotor effectiveness can happen at more than [hover out of ground effect] and very low airspeeds - given the high [temperatures i.e. 95 degrees]."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:20 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206L-3
Tail NumberN311JX
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C30P · Turboshaft · 435
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor4
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data