Bell UH-1H N853M

Summary

On 20 January 2000 at about 18:30 local time, a Bell UH-1H registered N853M was involved in an accident near Fort Myers, Florida, United States. One person was on board and one 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

20 January 2000 at 18:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Fort Myers, Florida, United States

Coordinates

26.5102, -81.7010

Aircraft

Bell UH-1H

Registration

N853M

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Public Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Lehigh Acres → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA00TA070

1 person had minor injuries.

A total loss of engine power due to turbine wheel fracture resulting from fatigue for undetermined reasons that resulted in an autorotation to unsuitable terrain and hard touchdown and rollover.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he was about 30 minutes into the post inspection maintenance flight at about 350 to 400 feet agl, when he heard a loud 'bang' and engine rpm decayed to zero. His choice of autorotation site required use of main rotor rpm to clear trees and he landed hard and rolled over. The T-53-L-13B engine underwent factory disassembly examination, with FAA oversight. Material analysis determined that portions of the 2nd stage GP turbine disc had fractured and separated due to peak strain low cycle fatigue, resulting in structural and imbalance damage and engine failure. No material, lubrication, or fuel control defects were identified that would have contributed to the disc separation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.