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Helicopter Main Rotor Strikes Tail Boom During Precautionary Landing (N5754J)

Harding Twnp, NJ, US

On February 23, 1989, a Bell 206B (registration N5754J) operated by Millington Quarry, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Harding Twnp, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOTS ATTEMPT TO CONDUCT THE FLIGHT WITH LESS THAN REQUIRED FUEL RESULTING IN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE TO THE HELICOPTER WHILE PERFORMING AN AUTOROTATIVE LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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

A helicopter experienced engine surge while approaching an airport, leading to a precautionary off-airport landing. During touchdown on a downhill slope from an autorotation, the main rotor contacted the tail boom. Post-crash examination revealed 10 gallons of fuel remaining; no engine failure was found.

Accident Details

While approaching an airport, the helicopter's engine began to surge. The pilot elected to make a precautionary off-airport landing. During touchdown on a downhill slope from an autorotation, the main rotor contacted the tail boom, resulting in damage.

Fuel Analysis

The pilot reported departing with 50 gallons of fuel approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes before the accident. According to Bell Helicopter, the helicopter burns 25 gallons per hour. Post-crash examination of the helicopter revealed the fuel system contained approximately 10 gallons of fuel. A Bell Helicopter representative stated that fuel starvation could occur with up to 10 gallons of fuel if the boost pumps are not used.

Engine Examination

The engine was operated with no evidence of failure or malfunction. No mechanical issues were identified in the post-crash inspection.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Bell 206 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Feb 1989 Bell 206B accident near Harding Twnp, NJ?

A helicopter experienced engine surge while approaching an airport, leading to a precautionary off-airport landing. During touchdown on a downhill slope from an autorotation, the main rotor contacted the tail boom. Post-crash examination revealed 10 gallons of fuel remaining; no engine failure was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Feb 1989 involved a Bell 206B, registration N5754J, operated by Millington Quarry, Inc., at Harding Twnp, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOTS ATTEMPT TO CONDUCT THE FLIGHT WITH LESS THAN REQUIRED FUEL RESULTING IN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE TO THE HELICOPTER WHILE PERFORMING AN AUTOROTATIVE LANDING.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27803. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.