Bell 206 B3 N2062D

Summary

On 23 November 2000 at about 17:45 local time, a Bell 206 B3 registered N2062D was involved in an accident near Lake Kachess, Washington, United States. One person was 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

23 November 2000 at 17:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Lake Kachess, Washington, United States

Coordinates

47.1996, -120.8999

Aircraft

Bell 206 B3

Registration

N2062D

Category

Helicopter

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 133: Rotorcraft Ext. Load

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

SEA01LA024

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's failure to comply with the flight manual regarding the use of an induction system deflector kit (snow baffles) while operating in snow, and the ingestion of foreign material/snow that resulted in an engine flameout while hovering. A snow baffle deflector kit not being installed and snow are factors contributing to the accident.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

While conducting long-line operations, the helicopter experienced a sudden loss of engine power and the pilot initiated a forced landing to a nearby road. Post accident examination of the helicopter revealed that the helicopter was not equipped with an engine air induction system deflector kit (snow baffles). The FAA approved Rotorcraft Flight Manual for the helicopter (Limitations Section) states, in part, the following: "The following equipment shall be installed when conducting flight operations in falling and/or blowing snow to reduce the possibility of engine flameout: The Particle Separator Engine Air Induction System Kit and the Deflector Kit." The 0956 METAR observation at Stampede Pass (approximately 4 miles northeast of the accident site; elevation 3,800 feet above mean sea level [MSL]) reported winds from 090 degrees at 5 knots; visibility 1/4 statute mile, heavy snow and freezing fog; broken clouds at 300 feet; overcast at 1,400 feet; temperature dew point 18 degrees F; and temperature 16 degrees F. Post accident inspection of the engine revealed no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.