Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

May 30, 2012 · Bell 206B · N106TV

Burbank, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 30, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Burbank, WA
Aircraft
Bell 206B
Tail Number
N106TV
Operator
J R Helicopters Leasing
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12CA236

During an aerial application flight, the single engine helicopter was flying low over an apple orchard when the engine began to lose power. The pilot decreased his airspeed toward zero and performed a hovering autorotation into the orchard. During the landing, the rotor blades impacted the trees, and the tail boom separated from the main fuselage. An examination of the engine revealed that the compressor discharge pressure (PC) air tube, which connected the PC air filter to the power turbine governor was disconnected. The “B” nut that connected the tube to the PC air filter was present on the tube but not threaded onto the PC air filter boss. The threads on both the PC air filter boss and the “B” nut did not exhibit any damage or abnormalities. Review of the maintenance records showed that, about 6 hours before the accident, the turbine assembly and bleed valve had been replaced. Removal and reinstallation of the PC air tube was conducted as part of the documented maintenance. It is likely that maintenance personnel did not properly torque the “B” nut when reinstalling the tube and the loose “B” nut backed off in-flight. According to the engine manufacturer's technical representative, disconnection of the PC air tube during engine operation would result in a loss of engine power.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of maintenance personnel to properly torque an air tube fitting, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that as he was flying low over the apple orchard and rolled out of a turn, the engine began to lose power, which was accompanied by the engine out horn and light. He decreased his airspeed towards zero, and performed a hovering autorotation into the orchard. During the landing the rotor blades impacted the trees and the tail boom separated from the main fuselage. An examination of the engine revealed that Pc air tube that connects the Pc air filter to to the Power Turbine Governor (PTG) was disconnected. The b-nut that connects the tube to the Pc air filter was present on the tube but not threaded onto the Pc air filter boss. Review of the maintenance records showed that about 6 hours prior to the accident the turbine assembly and bleed valve had been replaced. The threads on both the Pc air filter and b-nut did not exhibit any damage or abnormalities. The removal and reinstallation of the Pc air tube was conducted as part of the documented maintenance. According to the engine manufacturer's technical representative, the disconnection of the Pc air tube during engine operation would result in a loss of engine power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:10 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206B
Tail NumberN106TV
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJ R Helicopters Leasing
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 420
Seats5

People & Injuries

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

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 39 C
Altimeter30.14 inHg
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data