Summary
On July 17, 1995, a Bell 206B (N57536) was involved in an incident near West Cameron. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: THE DISCONNECT OF THE TAIL ROTOR DRIVE SYSTEM FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S INABILITY TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.
On July 17, 1995, at 1035 central daylight time, a Bell Helicopter 206B, N57536, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to the water near West Cameron 575, Gulf of Mexico. The commercial pilot was not injured. The flight was being operated by Air Logistics under Title 14 CFR Part 135 when the accident occurred. The flight originated at West Cameron 575, Gulf of Mexico, and was en route to West Cameron 587B. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company flight plan was filed.
According to the operator and the Pilot/Operator Report, the helicopter was in level flight at an altitude of 500 to 700 feet when the pilot felt a high frequency vibration in the tail rotor anti torque pedals.
This incident is documented in NTSB report FTW95LA303. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N57536.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE DISCONNECT OF THE TAIL ROTOR DRIVE SYSTEM FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S INABILITY TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 17, 1995, at 1035 central daylight time, a Bell Helicopter 206B, N57536, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to the water near West Cameron 575, Gulf of Mexico. The commercial pilot was not injured. The flight was being operated by Air Logistics under Title 14 CFR Part 135 when the accident occurred. The flight originated at West Cameron 575, Gulf of Mexico, and was en route to West Cameron 587B. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company flight plan was filed.
According to the operator and the Pilot/Operator Report, the helicopter was in level flight at an altitude of 500 to 700 feet when the pilot felt a high frequency vibration in the tail rotor anti torque pedals. Subsequently, a low pitch "hum" and a "shuddering vibration" was felt "followed by a loud bang from the rear of the aircraft." The aircraft began to "rotate to the right", and the application of "full left pedal" had no effect in stopping the rotation. After "several" 360 degree turns, the pilot attempted unsuccessfully to streamline the helicopter. An autorotation was initiated, and the aircraft's rotation was reduced to a "slow right motion spiral or flat spin." During the completion of the autorotation, the rate of rotation increased, and as the left float touched down on the water first, the helicopter rolled inverted.
Examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector following its recovery revealed that a bolt had separated from the tail rotor aft short shaft forward flex coupling, and the drive shaft was fractured. The bolt and nut were not recovered. A hole was torn in the bottom of the engine oil tank.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW95LA303