On July 29, 1984, a Bell 206L-1 (registration N1072G) operated by Theodore L. Billen was involved in an aviation accident near Tuckerton, NJ. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
While hovering at 8 to 10 feet, the cyclic control snapped rearward with a noise from the rear. The tailboom was found bent 45 degrees down and 15 degrees right. Metallurgical analysis revealed compressive buckling from excessive bending loads; no mechanical failures were identified.
Event Description
According to the pilot, while the helicopter was in a hover at an altitude of 8 to 10 feet, the cyclic control suddenly moved rearward by 3 to 4 inches. This movement was accompanied by a noise emanating from the rear of the aircraft. The pilot reported these occurrences, which prompted a subsequent inspection.
Inspection and Findings
Following the event, personnel examined the helicopter and discovered that the tailboom was bent approximately 45 degrees downward and 15 degrees to the right. The tail skid shoe showed no evidence of ground contact, suggesting that the bending did not result from striking the ground. A metallurgical analysis of the tailboom determined that the damage was compressive buckling, a type of failure consistent with the application of excessive bending loads to the boom. Additionally, a comprehensive inspection of the helicopter revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 Jul 1984 Bell 206L-1 accident near Tuckerton, NJ?
While hovering at 8 to 10 feet, the cyclic control snapped rearward with a noise from the rear. The tailboom was found bent 45 degrees down and 15 degrees right. Metallurgical analysis revealed compressive buckling from excessive bending loads; no mechanical failures were identified.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Jul 1984 involved a Bell 206L-1, registration N1072G, operated by Theodore L. Billen, at Tuckerton, NJ.
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