Bell 206 B2
La Verna, CA — January 13, 2008
Event Information
| Date | January 13, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | SEA08CA059 |
| Event ID | 20080207X00153 |
| Location | La Verna, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.09139, -117.78167 |
| Airport | BRACKETT FIELD |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Bell |
| Model | 206 B2 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's improper preflight planning which resulted in a jammed cyclic control while maneuvering.
Full Narrative
The commercial pilot and mechanic were conducting a maintenance test flight to facilitate a dynamic track and balance of the main rotor system when the accident occurred. In a written statement, the pilot reported the helicopter was in a three-foot hover, moving forward, when control was lost. The helicopter subsequently collided with terrain resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported the left cyclic control was removed prior to the flight; however, the protective cover was not installed. He stated that during the accident flight, the test equipment (used for track and balance) "became entangled" at the left cyclic attach point and prevented full cyclic control.
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.