N76KMBELL 206L-3 1989-06-02 NTSB Accident Report

Destroyed
Fatal

BELL 206L-3 S/N: 51103

Summary

On June 02, 1989, a Bell 206L-3 (N76KM) was involved in an accident near Big Timber, MT. The accident resulted in 4 fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING TAKEOFF, DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION, WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH THE TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: DARK NIGHT, PILOT'S VISUAL PERCEPTION, INADEQUATE INITIAL TRAINING OF THE PILOT BY THE OPERATOR, THE PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE GEOGRAPHICAL AREA, AND THE COMPANY'S INSUFFICIENT STANDARDS/REQUIREMENTS.

This accident is documented in NTSB report DEN89MA130. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N76KM.

Accident Details

Date
Friday, June 2, 1989
NTSB Number
DEN89MA130
Location
BIG TIMBER, MT
Event ID
20001213X28565
Coordinates
45.959381, -109.850463
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
Highest Injury
Fatal
Fatalities
4
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
4

Probable Cause and Findings

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING TAKEOFF, DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION, WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH THE TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: DARK NIGHT, PILOT'S VISUAL PERCEPTION, INADEQUATE INITIAL TRAINING OF THE PILOT BY THE OPERATOR, THE PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE GEOGRAPHICAL AREA, AND THE COMPANY'S INSUFFICIENT STANDARDS/REQUIREMENTS.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
BELL
Serial Number
51103
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Year Built
1984
Model / ICAO
206L-3 B06T
Aircraft Type
Rotorcraft
No. of Engines
2

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
MICHAEL ZICKA LEASING CO
Address
11264 GROOMS ROAD
Status
Deregistered
City
CINCINNATI
State / Zip Code
OH 45242
Country
United States

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN89MA130