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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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April 9, 2008 · Vic Tatelman BABY Belle · N6261N

Lakeland, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 9, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lakeland, FL
Aircraft
Vic Tatelman BABY Belle
Tail Number
N6261N
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI08LA104

The pilot was demonstrating a hovering maneuver during an airshow. During this maneuver, the helicopter began an uncommanded left turn and landed hard causing substantial damage. Inspection revealed that the #1 tailrotor drive shaft hanger bearing failed, then the tailrotor RPM sensor broke loose, and the tailrotor became jammed.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Attain/maintain not possible

Full Narrative

On April 9, 2008, at 1200 edt, a Baby Belle, experimental rotorcraft, N6261N, landed hard at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, Lakeland, Florida, after experiencing a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. The experimental rotorcraft was substantially damaged. The pilot, the only occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight had departed Lakeland and was demonstrating a low altitude right pedal turn as part of the Sun n' Fun airshow. The pilot reported that the aircraft had a Revolutions per Minute (RPM) sensor that got engaged in the tailrotor drive shaft, eventually breaking the shaft. An FAA inspector looked at the failure and said the rotor RPM sensor started vibrating due to the failure of the #1 hanger bearing, resulting in failure of the tail rotor drive shaft, and a jammed tail rotor.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EDT
Nearest AirportLakeland Linder Regional Airpo (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftVic Tatelman BABY Belle
Tail NumberN6261N
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

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

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 11 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time15:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data