BELL 206B
Entiat, WA — June 26, 2017
Event Information
| Date | June 26, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA369 |
| Event ID | 20170627X03515 |
| Location | Entiat, WA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 47.73222, -120.34778 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | BELL |
| Model | 206B |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 137 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to secure a loose item inside the cockpit that interfered with antitorque pedal control and led to a loss of helicopter control due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that while maneuvering the helicopter at low altitude for an aerial application flight, an usecured clipboard that was on the seat next to him fell, and became lodged under the anti-torque peddles. Unable to free the clipboard, the pilot chose to make a precautionary landing. About 5-10 ft. above ground level, tail rotor authority was lost and the helicopter began to rotate to the right. After about two rotations he was able to land the helicopter. During the touchdown, the stinger folded into the tail rotor.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.