Bell 206 Safety Record

The failure of the platform worker to maintain clearance with the turning tail rotor blades. A factor was the inadequate coordination between the pilot and the passengers pertaining to procedures for disembarking from the helicopter.

The pilot's inadequate fuel management which led to fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power. Related factors were the pole and dusk light conditions.

The failure of the flight crew to properly preflight the helicopter and to detect and remove accumulated snow from the engine inlets and plenum chamber. Factors in the accident were the clouded plenum chamber inspection window and the failure of preceding flight crew to install the engine inlet covers in accordance with the operator's procedure.

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance while landing in proximity to high vegetation, which resulted in the inadvertent contact of the spray boom to the trees.

The pilot's inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions and subsequent spatial disorientation. Factors were the dark night conditions, the fog, and the pilot's failure to obtain a weather briefing prior to the flight.

A loose 'B' nut on the aircraft's PC Air line which resulted in fuel starvation, and the pilot's abrupt application of aft cyclic to prevent a nose over. Contributing factors were soft terrain and dark night conditions.

The loss of tail rotor effectiveness, due to the installation of incorrect pitch links by the maintenance facility. A factor in the accident was the lack of an adequate quality assurance program in the maintenance facility.

The failure of the mechanic who installed the engine to follow proper procedures by insuring the proper torque to the oil output line, resulting in a loose fitting, oil loss and subsequent bearing failure.

The pilot's failure to maintain proper alignment in that the external load was not centered during sling operation, which resulted in entanglement of the load with the landing gear, and the loss of aircraft control.

The flight instructor's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while attempting to increase the engine RPM while hovering. Factors were the prevailing high winds and the instructor's diverted attention.

The failure of the tail rotor drive shaft due to the separation of a bolt at one of the drive shaft disc couplings for an undetermined reason, which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain directional control during landing.

The failure of maintenance personnel to properly assemble the engine's accessory gearbox, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to partial blockage of the main oil passage by an o-ring. The blockage reduced oil flow to the turbine shafting, which led to the total failure of the gas producer turbine shaft and the power (free) turbine shaft. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.