On September 19, 1989, a Bell 206B-3 (registration N9229X) was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A HARD LANDING CAUSED BY THE PILOT NOT BEING ABLE TO JUDGE HIS ALTITUDE ABOVE OR HIS CLOSURE RATE TO TERRAIN BECAUSE OF HIGH VEGETATION IN THE AREA AVAILABLE FOR A FORCED LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter on a maintenance test flight suffered an engine failure and autorotated to an open field. The aircraft sustained substantial damage upon landing in a deep grassy, rough field.
Accident Overview
During a maintenance test flight, the accident helicopter experienced an engine failure. The pilot subsequently performed an autorotation, landing the helicopter in an open field located in an urban area. According to the pilot, the landing site was a "deep grassy, rough field." The helicopter sustained substantial damage as a result of the landing.
Engine Examination
Following the accident, an examination of the engine compressor case was conducted. The examination revealed punctures in several locations, which originated from the inside of the case outward. When the compressor case was opened, it was found that all blades and vanes aft of the first stage were either damaged or fractured.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Sept 1989 Bell 206B-3 accident near Chicago, IL?
A helicopter on a maintenance test flight suffered an engine failure and autorotated to an open field. The aircraft sustained substantial damage upon landing in a deep grassy, rough field.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Sept 1989 involved a Bell 206B-3, registration N9229X, at Chicago, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A HARD LANDING CAUSED BY THE PILOT NOT BEING ABLE TO JUDGE HIS ALTITUDE ABOVE OR HIS CLOSURE RATE TO TERRAIN BECAUSE OF HIGH VEGETATION IN THE AREA AVAILABLE FOR A FORCED LANDING. AN ENGINE FAULURE CAUSED BY MATERIAL FAILURE OF THE COMPRESSOR SECTION IS A CONTRIBUTING CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT.
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