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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

August 24, 2009 · Bell 206 L1 · N98KR

Gumboro Township, DE

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 24, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Gumboro Township, DE
Aircraft
Bell 206 L1
Tail Number
N98KR
Operator
Helicopter Applicators
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA482

The helicopter pilot stated that he was completing an aerial application flight due to deteriorating weather. After landing on a wet, elevated platform, he exited the running helicopter, which was a common company practice during refueling and reloading operations. Moments later, the helicopter yawed to the right, slid off the platform and landed on the mast, resulting in substantial damage to the rotor assembly, left side fuselage, and tail boom. The pilot later stated that he did not recall securing the flight controls before exiting the helicopter. A Federal Aviation Administration examination of the accident scene revealed that the flight control friction locks were not tight, and that the landing platform was not level. A representative of the helicopter manufacturer stated that there was nothing published by the company that restricted a pilot from exiting a helicopter while it was running. However, there is a note in the pilot’s operating handbook for the engine shutdown procedure that states, “Pilot -- remain at flight controls until rotor has come to a complete stop.” A representative of the National Agricultural Aviation Association stated that although the practice of hot refueling was common in the industry, the practice of exiting a running helicopter was not.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to secure the flight controls before exiting the running helicopter. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s practice of exiting the helicopter while it was still running.

Full Narrative

The helicopter pilot stated that he was conducting an aerial application flight before landing due to deteriorating weather. After landing on a wet, elevated platform, he exited the running helicopter, which was a common company practice during refueling and reloading operations. Moments later, the helicopter yawed to the right, slid off the platform and landed on the mast, resulting in substantial damage to the rotor assembly, left side fuselage, and tail boom. The pilot later stated that he did not recall securing the flight controls before exiting the helicopter. A Federal Aviation Administration examination of the accident scene revealed that the flight control friction locks were not tight, and that the landing platform was not level. A representative of the helicopter manufacturer stated that there was nothing published by the company that restricted a pilot from exiting a helicopter while it was running. However, there is a note in the pilot’s operating handbook for the engine shutdown procedure that states, “Pilot -- remain at flight controls until rotor has come to a complete stop.” A representative of the National Agricultural Aviation Association stated that although the practice of hot refueling was common in the industry, the practice of exiting a running helicopter was not.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:36 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206 L1
Tail NumberN98KR
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHelicopter Applicators
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250-C30P · Turboshaft
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data