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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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August 20, 2017 · Bell 206 B · N6259C

Minden, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 20, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Minden, NV
Aircraft
Bell 206 B (1971)
Tail Number
N6259C
Operator
Helicopter Parts International
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA495

The pilot of the helicopter reported that, during landing, the helicopter "encountered LTE [loss of tail rotor effectiveness]." He added that he maneuvered the helicopter to an open field adjacent to the intended helipad and that the tail rotor impacted a barbed wire fence. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration's Helicopter Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-21A, contained a section titled "Loss of Tail Rotor Effectiveness (LTE)," which stated: Loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE) or an unanticipated yaw is defined as an uncommanded, rapid yaw towards the advancing blade which does not subside of its own accord. It can result in the loss of the aircraft if left unchecked. It is very important for pilots to understand that LTE is caused by an aerodynamic interaction between the main rotor and tail rotor and not caused from a mechanical failure. Some helicopter types are more likely to encounter LTE due to the normal certification thrust produced by having a tail rotor that, although meeting certification standards, is not always able to produce the additional thrust demanded by the pilot.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Prop/rotor parameters-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The pilot of the helicopter reported that, during landing, the helicopter "encountered LTE [loss of tail rotor effectiveness]". He added that he maneuvered the helicopter to an open field adjacent to the intended helipad and the tail rotor impacted a barbed wire fence. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. Federal Aviation Administration's Helicopter Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-21A, contains a section titled "Loss of Tail Rotor Effectiveness (LTE)" which states: Loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE) or an unanticipated yaw is defined as an uncommanded, rapid yaw towards the advancing blade which does not subside of its own accord. It can result in the loss of the aircraft if left unchecked. It is very important for pilots to understand that LTE is caused by an aerodynamic interaction between the main rotor and tail rotor and not caused from a mechanical failure. Some helicopter types are more likely to encounter LTE due to the normal certification thrust produced by having a tail rotor that, although meeting certification standards, is not always able to produce the additional thrust demanded by the pilot.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 PDT
Nearest AirportMinden-Tahoe (0nm WSW)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206 B
Tail NumberN6259C
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHelicopter Parts International
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250-C20B · Turboshaft · 320
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data