Pilot Debrief

BELL 206L-3 near Covelo, CA — 2021-10-28

Final reportWPR22LA031
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Date
2021-10-28
Location
Covelo, CA, USA
Airport
UKI
Aircraft
BELL 206L-3
Registration
N27TK
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A passenger’s unsecured object departed the cabin resulted in a collision with the tail rotor drive shaft.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the helicopter reported that, he was conducting a local area photography/video flight with passengers. Before departure he had removed the doors and provided a preflight safety briefing, which included briefing his passengers on securing their belongings. While in cruise flight, a passenger’s jacked departed the helicopter and became lodged on the synchronized elevator. The pilot simultaneously felt an impact and noted resistance against the cyclic control. A precautionary landing was made without further incident. The tail rotor drive shaft was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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