FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Helicopter Damaged After Rotor Blades Strike Tail Boom During Landing (N992PT)

Abbeville, LA, US

On June 2, 1989, a Bell 206L (registration N992PT) operated by Taylor Energy Vthe was involved in an aviation accident near Abbeville, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: PERSON(S) IN THE INTENDED EMERGENCY LANDING AREA AND SOFT TERRAIN WHERE THE HELICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN. 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 pilot reported engine power variation and low rotor RPM during approach, leading to an autorotation landing that resulted in a rotor strike and tail rotor separation.

Incident Details

During approach to the destination, the pilot experienced a variation in engine power and a low rotor RPM indication. In response, the pilot elected to perform an autorotation onto a taxiway. However, upon observing someone in the intended landing area, the pilot maneuvered the helicopter to land in a grassy area instead.

Sequence of Events

During the run-on landing, the helicopter encountered soft terrain and rocked forward. As the helicopter rocked forward, the main rotor blades struck the tail boom, severing the tail rotor assembly. The helicopter came to rest after the strike.

Subsequent Findings

Following the incident, an operational check of the engine was conducted. The engine ran normally during the check, and no reason was found for the reported variation of engine power and low rotor RPM.

Engine failure

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Bell 206 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jun 1989 Bell 206L accident near Abbeville, LA?

A helicopter pilot reported engine power variation and low rotor RPM during approach, leading to an autorotation landing that resulted in a rotor strike and tail rotor separation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jun 1989 involved a Bell 206L, registration N992PT, operated by Taylor Energy Vthe, at Abbeville, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: PERSON(S) IN THE INTENDED EMERGENCY LANDING AREA AND SOFT TERRAIN WHERE THE HELICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28579. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.