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Casualties unknown

Helicopter Experiences Engine Surge, Executes Autorotation Short of Runway (N5745Y)

Chamblee, GA, US

On January 2, 1982, a Bell 206L-1 (registration N5745Y) operated by Rocky Mountain Helicopters, IN was involved in an aviation accident near Chamblee, GA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While returning from an air ambulance flight, a helicopter experienced left yaw and N2 drop, then violent yaw and N2 fluctuations at low altitude. The pilot performed an autorotation, resulting in a hard touchdown short of the intended landing point.

Incident Sequence

During the return leg of an air ambulance flight, the helicopter was approximately one mile from the airport when it yawed to the left and the N2 (gas generator speed) dropped to about 92%. As the aircraft descended to an altitude of 30-50 feet and an airspeed of approximately 20 knots, it yawed violently to the left, accompanied by corresponding drops in N2 to 55-60%, followed by surges back to 102-105%.

Pilot Response and Landing

The pilot initiated an autorotation and touched down hard approximately 300 yards short of the intended landing point.

Maintenance Background

Detroit Diesel Allison Commercial Engine Bulletin (CEB) A-73-2020, dated September 7, 1981, and revised October 5, 1981, recommends disarming the N2 (electronic) overspeed control system due to reported intermittent and spurious activations. Compliance with Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 206L-81-24, dated September 11, 1981, resulted in only partial deactivation of the system, as the operator's maintenance personnel reported that they had not received the referenced CEB as of the date of the accident.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jan 1982 Bell 206L-1 accident near Chamblee, GA?

While returning from an air ambulance flight, a helicopter experienced left yaw and N2 drop, then violent yaw and N2 fluctuations at low altitude. The pilot performed an autorotation, resulting in a hard touchdown short of the intended landing point.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jan 1982 involved a Bell 206L-1, registration N5745Y, operated by Rocky Mountain Helicopters, IN, at Chamblee, GA.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X01657. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.