Summary
On March 12, 1996, a Bell 206BIII (N115FH) was involved in an accident near Houma, LA. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's attempted maneuver which exceeded the dynamic capability of the helicopter.
On March 12, 1996, at 0815 central standard time, a Bell BH-206BIII, N115FH, registered to Evergreen Equity Inc., and operated by Evergreen Helicopters International under Title 14 CFR Part 133, was substantially damaged during external load operations near Houma, Louisiana. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local external load carrying flight that departed Houma at 0800. A flight plan was not filed for the flight.
According to the FAA inspector, the aircraft was assigned to support a seismic geophysical operation. At the time of the accident, the helicopter was attempting to tow (with a 100 foot long line) a support boat which had become mired in mud.
This accident is documented in NTSB report FTW96LA147. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N115FH.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's attempted maneuver which exceeded the dynamic capability of the helicopter.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On March 12, 1996, at 0815 central standard time, a Bell BH-206BIII, N115FH, registered to Evergreen Equity Inc., and operated by Evergreen Helicopters International under Title 14 CFR Part 133, was substantially damaged during external load operations near Houma, Louisiana. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local external load carrying flight that departed Houma at 0800. A flight plan was not filed for the flight.
According to the FAA inspector, the aircraft was assigned to support a seismic geophysical operation. At the time of the accident, the helicopter was attempting to tow (with a 100 foot long line) a support boat which had become mired in mud. While hovering out of ground effect in a left sidewards direction in an attempt to dislodge the boat from the mud, the pilot lost control of the helicopter. The pilot reported that he had no recall of the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW96LA147