Sunday, April 14, 2019

Bell 206L-1 LongRanger II, N39LR: Accident occurred July 16, 2018 in New Castle, Henry County, Indiana

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Indianapolis, Indiana

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N39LR


Location: New Castle, IN
Accident Number: GAA18CA424
Date & Time: 07/16/2018, 0900 EDT
Registration: N39LR
Aircraft: Bell 206
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision during takeoff/land
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural 

According to the helicopter pilot, during an agricultural flight he landed on the tender truck platform. The ground crewman connected a hose to fill the hopper, but he did not provide positive communication to the pilot regarding task completion. Consequently, "due to crew miscommunication" the pilot took off with the hose still connected to the helicopter. The tail rotor struck the hose and the pilot lost tail rotor authority. The helicopter entered an uncontrollable spin to the right, and the pilot lowered the collective. The helicopter descended and struck the ground, and then it rolled over.

Additionally, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by implementing a documented operating procedure to ensure positive communication between the ground crew and pilot.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage the tailboom, tail rotor system, main rotor system and the skids.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 71, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Single-engine; Helicopter
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/05/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/19/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 20882 hours (Total, all aircraft), 810 hours (Total, this make and model), 20701 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 67 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 67 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Bell
Registration: N39LR
Model/Series: 206 L1
Aircraft Category: Helicopter
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Restricted; Normal
Serial Number: 45654
Landing Gear Type: Skid
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/01/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 4150 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Shaft
Airframe Total Time: 8318 Hours
Engine Manufacturer: Rolls Royce
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: 259-C30P
Registered Owner: Hornet LLC
Rated Power: 600 hp
Operator: Blackstar LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Agricultural Aircraft (137)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KGEZ, 804 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 26 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1253 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 272°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  7 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 700 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 210°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.98 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 25°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: New Castle, IN
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: New Castle, IN
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0900 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 39.564722, -85.235556 (est)

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