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Helicopter Accident During Low-Altitude Flight Over Water (N2164Z)

Sarasota, FL, US

On July 24, 1990, a Bell 206B (registration N2164Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Sarasota, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER CONTROL INPUT AFTER THE LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR EFFECTIVENESS. 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 flying at 35 mph and 3-5 feet above water yawed right and pitched down and left, impacting the water. Floats were not deployed. Debris injured a boat passenger. One helicopter passenger was trapped by taped seatbelt release. Examination found no mechanical failure.

Accident Sequence

According to the pilot, the helicopter was flying at approximately 35 mph at an altitude of 3 to 5 feet above the water, about 50 feet abeam a boat that was being filmed by photographers on board the aircraft. The helicopter then yawed to the right and pitched down and to the left. The pilot was unable to correct this attitude before the helicopter struck the water. The floats were not deployed at the time of impact.

Aftermath

Debris from the helicopter struck and injured a passenger in the boat. Of the three passengers in the helicopter, one was unable to exit the aircraft after the impact because he had placed tape around the seatbelt release mechanism. The pilot assisted this passenger in exiting.

Examination

An examination of the helicopter revealed no failure or malfunction of the flight controls or engine.

Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jul 1990 Bell 206B accident near Sarasota, FL?

A helicopter flying at 35 mph and 3-5 feet above water yawed right and pitched down and left, impacting the water. Floats were not deployed. Debris injured a boat passenger. One helicopter passenger was trapped by taped seatbelt release. Examination found no mechanical failure.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Jul 1990 Bell 206B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jul 1990 involved a Bell 206B, registration N2164Z, at Sarasota, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER CONTROL INPUT AFTER THE LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR EFFECTIVENESS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23765. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.