Pilot Debrief

BELL 206 near Outlook, WA — 2016-07-29

Final reportGAA16CA405
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Date
2016-07-29
Location
Outlook, WA, USA
Aircraft
BELL 206
Registration
N1087N
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot and ground crew's failure to visually inspect the helicopter's skids before takeoff, which resulted in a water hose becoming entangled on the right skid, a loss of control, an impact with terrain, and a post-crash fire.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of a helicopter performing aerial application reported that his loader laid the water hose across the skids due to the location of the helicopter's fill port and the ground water tank. After the loading was complete, the pilot reported that during takeoff, "the helicopter felt like the skids were dragging through the dirt even though I knew I was at least 5 [feet] above the ground." The pilot further reported that he realized the water hose nozzle had snagged on the helicopter's skid and he attempted to abort the takeoff. As soon as he began the abort, the helicopter nosed down, impacted terrain, and rolled over to the right. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The loader, who also witnessed the accident, reported that this was the last load of the day for this spray location. He further reported that as the helicopter entered a hover, he noticed a hose lying over the right skid and he "waved and screamed" to the pilot, but he had already turned out of view. The loader subsequently observed the "dry lock nozzle" hook onto the right skid and the helicopter "lurched to the right" and impacted terrain. The loader assisted the pilot in an emergency evacuation, as they both observed a post-crash fire. The nearby water truck was empty and the helicopter was destroyed by the post-crash fire.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked for hose before takeoff to prevent snagging.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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