On January 18, 1985, a Bell 206L-1 (registration N5736K) was involved in an aviation accident near Loiza, PR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the compressor mount assembly due to fatigue and an overdue mandatory inspection of the compressor mounts. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter lost partial power after takeoff, struck a fence, and rolled over. Investigation revealed fatigue failure of the compressor mount assembly and an overdue mandatory inspection.
Accident Sequence
The helicopter pilot had just discharged passengers after a flight from an offshore barge to a beach heliport. During the subsequent lift-off, as the aircraft began to cross over a fence, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot attempted to avoid the obstruction, but the tail boom made contact with the fence and failed. The helicopter then struck the ground and rolled over.
Investigation Findings
A teardown examination of the engine revealed that the compressor mount assembly, part number 6898611, had failed from fatigue at three pad positions. Additionally, there was evidence that the compressor spline adapter subsequently failed due to misalignment. A review of the maintenance records showed that a mandatory inspection of the compressor mounts was overdue.
Probable cause
Failure of the compressor mount assembly due to fatigue and an overdue mandatory inspection of the compressor mounts.
What happened in the 18 Jan 1985 Bell 206L-1 accident near Loiza, PR?
A helicopter lost partial power after takeoff, struck a fence, and rolled over. Investigation revealed fatigue failure of the compressor mount assembly and an overdue mandatory inspection.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Jan 1985 involved a Bell 206L-1, registration N5736K, at Loiza, PR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Failure of the compressor mount assembly due to fatigue and an overdue mandatory inspection of the compressor mounts.
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