Casualties unknown

1984-02-26: Bell UH-1B (N31213) — Amarillo, TX

Amarillo, TX, US

On February 26, 1984, a Bell UH-1B (registration N31213) was involved in an aviation accident near Amarillo, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot, advised of snow and low visibility, departed Amarillo under special VFR. Visibility dropped to 1/2 mile with blowing snow. Engine intake screens iced up, causing loss of RPM during landing approach; helicopter contacted ground and rolled over.

Background

Prior to departure, the pilot was advised by a Flight Service Station that Amarillo reported snow flurries, visibility of 4 miles, and wind from 350 degrees at 28 knots gusting to 34 knots. Additionally, Tucumcari, New Mexico was reporting 2 miles visibility with light snow, while areas further west were clearing.

Flight

The pilot departed Amarillo under a special VFR clearance. The pilot stated that the weather was acceptable until west of Amarillo, where visibility deteriorated to 1/2 mile with blowing snow. Due to the decreasing visibility and increasing winds, the pilot decided to land in an open field.

Incident

While maneuvering the helicopter into the wind for landing, the engine intake screens iced up, and a loss of RPM was experienced. The helicopter contacted the ground and rolled over to the right.

Probable Cause

The source does not explicitly state a probable cause.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38792. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.