Bell 206L-3 N4NJ

Summary

On 6 July 1999 at about 20:45 local time, a Bell 206L-3 registered N4NJ was involved in an accident near Woodbridge, New Jersey, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

6 July 1999 at 20:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Woodbridge, New Jersey, United States

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Bell 206L-3

Registration

N4NJ

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Public Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

West Trenton → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC99FA169

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's improper takeoff procedure, which resulted in a loss of tailrotor effectiveness.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot took off into the wind to conduct a high orbit, and as the pilot 'gently and smoothly' started a right turn, an uncommanded right yaw, along with a 'high engine whine sound,' was experienced. At that time the pilot estimated the wind was at his 10 o'clock position. The pilot immediately applied left pedal to compensate for the right yaw, but it did not arrest the rotation. The collective was then lowered, and in an attempt to fly out of the ensuing condition, the helicopter was turned into the direction of rotation. After the helicopter made three complete 360-degree turns to the right, the PIC closed the throttle to idle, and performed an autorotation to a dry lakebed. FAA Advisory Circular 90-95 stated that 'Any maneuver which requires the pilot to operate in a high-power, low airspeed environment with a left crosswind or tailwind creates an environment where unanticipated right yaw may occur.' The AC also advised of greater susceptibility for LTE in right turns and the phenomena may occur in varying degrees in all single main rotor helicopters at airspeeds less than 30 knots.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.