Bell 206L-1 N2761X

Summary

On 8 June 2005 at about 11:30 local time, a Bell 206L-1 registered N2761X was involved in an accident near Moulton Cove, Louisiana, United States. 4 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

8 June 2005 at 11:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Moulton Cove, Louisiana, United States

Coordinates

30.1833, -92.0000

Aircraft

Bell 206L-1

Registration

N2761X

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Moulton Cove → Wc 280 Gom

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

DFW05CA149

Nobody was injured.

The loss of engine power due to foreign object ingestion into the compressor. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain (swampy) for the forced landing.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

After take off from a remote helipad, during initial climb, the 5,000- hour helicopter pilot reported that approximately 150-200 feet agl, with 80-85% torque, he heard the engine make "popping noises" and the helicopter yawed left. The engine immediately lost power associated with rapid decay of N1 and rotor rpm. Subsequently, the pilot executed an autorotation to a swampy area adjacent to a tree line. The pilot and passengers exited the helicopter after the landing with no injuries. Examination of the helicopter revealed evidence that the main rotor blade(s) had contacted and severed the tail boom upon touchdown. Further examination of the engine revealed evidence of foreign object ingestion. Remnants and the smell of an amphibian were present in the engine bleed manifold port and intake, and impact evidence was noted on the compressor front support. The operator reported that the helicopter had remained overnight at the remote helipad the night prior to the flight, which was the first of the day for the helicopter. The operator further stated that there had been reports in the past about ingestion of "green frogs" which are common to the area.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.