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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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April 8, 2009 · Bell 206 L3 · N295AE

Vick, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Incident
Date
April 8, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Vick, TX
Aircraft
Bell 206 L3
Tail Number
N295AE
Operator
Air Evac Ems
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
CEN09IA254

According to the pilot he heard and felt a prolonged "thud" during cruise flight at 1,000 feet above ground level and 110 knots. The airframe "wallowed" laterally and he felt resistance in the cyclic flight control followed by a return of normal aircraft control. He made a precautionary landing. An examination of the airframe revealed that the left side vertical winglet of the horizontal stabilizer was missing, and the lower vertical fin leading edge was damaged. The vertical stabilizer was not recovered. No evidence was found to determine the initiation of the damage. An examination of the remaining helicopter systems revealed no anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C

Full Narrative

On April 8, 2009, approximately 0100 central standard time, a Bell Helicopter 206/L3, N295AE, registered to Air Evac EMS Inc., and operated by a commercial pilot, received minor damage while in cruise flight near Vick, Texas. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the incident. The air medical flight was being conducted under provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 on a company visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan. Neither the pilot, two crew members, or passenger were injured. The cross country flight departed Hot Hospital, Brady, Texas, approximately 0035 and was en route to Shannon Medical Center (03TS), San Angelo, Texas. According to the pilot he heard and felt a prolonged "thud" during cruise flight at 1,000 feet above ground level (agl) and 110 knots. The airframe "wallowed" laterally and he felt resistance in the cyclic flight control followed by a return of normal aircraft control. The pilot made a precautionary landing. An examination of the airframe revealed that the left side vertical winglet of the horizontal stabilizer was missing, and the lower vertical fin leading edge was crumpled. According to the helicopter operator, the vertical stabilizer was not recovered and there was no physical evidence located on the helicopter identifying the object involved in the collision. An examination of the remaining helicopter systems revealed no anomalies.

Flight

Event TypeIncident
Event Time02:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206 L3
Tail NumberN295AE
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageMinor
OperatorAir Evac Ems
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · C250C30P · Turboshaft · 650
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 63 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind200° @ 12 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 52
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time05:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data