Bell 206B3 N5002E

Summary

On 20 March 2000 at about 21:24 local time, a Bell 206B3 registered N5002E, operated by Horizon Helicopters, Inc., was involved in an accident near Brazos 542. 3 people were on board and 3 had minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

20 March 2000 at 21:24

Classification

Accident

Location

Brazos 542

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Bell 206B3

Registration

N5002E

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Horizon Helicopters, Inc.

Operating rule

Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Brazos 341 → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW00LA100

3 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's right turn maneuver during low speed resulting in a loss of tail rotor effectiveness and subsequent loss of control.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was maneuvering the helicopter to land on an offshore platform. He initially approached the platform from the north, heading into the wind, which was from the south-southeast at 20-25 knots. The pilot began a right turn to circle clockwise around the platform at 300 to 400 feet agl and 70 to 80 mph indicated airspeed. Approximately 3/4 of the way around the platform, the helicopter 'began to spin' to the right. The pilot applied left pedal in an attempt to stop the spin, however, there was 'no tail rotor response.' The pilot 'made an effort to try to come out of [the spin] by lowering the collective and dropping the nose of the aircraft.' Control inputs had no effect on stopping the spin, and the helicopter descended and impacted the water. There were no reported anomalies to the tail rotor system prior to the accident. In February 1995, the FAA issued an Advisory Circular (AC 90-95) concerning unanticipated right yaw in helicopters, or loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE). The AC advises pilots LTE may occur in right turns at low airspeeds, and that correct, timely response is critical to prevent a loss of control.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.