ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 356807
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| Date: | Thursday 22 August 1996 |
| Time: | 14:45 LT |
| Type: |  Bell 206B |
| Owner/operator: | Idaho Helicopters |
| Registration: | N3896V |
| MSN: | 3196 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 5769 hours |
| Engine model: | Allison 250-C20B |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Glenns Ferry, ID -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | En route |
| Nature: | Ferry/positioning |
| Departure airport: | |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
While in cruise flight, the helicopter experienced a yawing tendency, vibration, and loss of engine power. The pilot said that he closed the throttle and initiated an autorotation. The helicopter then nosed down, and the pilot pulled back on the cyclic. The auto relight cockpit warning light illuminated, and the pilot increased the throttle to full power. The helicopter began to yaw again, and the pilot closed the throttle; however, the helicopter nosed down. The pilot increased throttle control and raised the collective to regain level flight as the helicopter landed hard and rolled over. The engine and airframe were inspected and no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction was found. Fuel drained from the helicopter was found to be dark gray in color, and it contained very fine suspended particulate matter. Inspection of the fuel truck revealed that the filters and the fuel drained from the sump contained heavy contamination. Analysis of the fuel from the helicopter and from the fuel truck revealed the presence of water and fungi.
Probable Cause: fuel contamination, due to improper servicing of the helicopter, which resulted in an intermittent loss of engine power. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's inadequate control of the helicopter, during autorotation with intermittent engine power.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB SEA96LA198
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 13-Mar-2024 11:08 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
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