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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

April 17, 2009 · Bell 206 B · N25PM

West Palm Beach, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 17, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
West Palm Beach, FL
Aircraft
Bell 206 B
Tail Number
N25PM
Operator
Air Coastal Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA249

According to the pilot, he landed the helicopter in a swampy area adjacent to a pier, then water-taxied close to the pier to allow his passenger to disembark. The pilot was aware of tall PVC pipes near the tail rotor. After the passenger stepped out onto the pier, the pilot maneuvered the helicopter by sliding it to the right, with the intention of then turning into the wind and departing. As the helicopter was sliding, the left float began to lift up, and he corrected with full left cyclic. The helicopter continued to slide to the right; it then rolled onto its right side, resulting in substantial damage to the main rotor blades. The pilot reported that wet mud may have accumulated around the right float and a dynamic rollover occurred. The pilot reported surface winds from the northeast at 15 to 20 knots, with gusts to 25 knots. He reported no mechanical problems with the helicopter.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, he landed the helicopter in a swampy area adjacent to a pier, then water-taxied close to the pier to allow his passenger to disembark. The pilot was aware of tall PVC pipes near the tail rotor. After the passenger stepped out onto the pier, the pilot maneuvered the helicopter by sliding it to the right, with the intention of then turning into the wind and departing. As the helicopter was sliding, the left float began to lift up, and he corrected with full left cyclic. The helicopter continued to slide to the right; it then rolled onto its right side, resulting in substantial damage to the main rotor blades. The pilot reported that wet mud may have accumulated around the right float and a dynamic rollover occurred. The pilot reported surface winds from the northeast at 15 to 20 knots, with gusts to 25 knots. He reported no mechanical problems with the helicopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:10 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206 B
Tail NumberN25PM
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAir Coastal Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250C-20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.14 inHg
Observation Time12:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data