On September 29, 1993, a Bell 206B (registration N39049) was involved in an aviation accident near Wht Sands MR, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The entanglement of the helicopter's main and tail rotors by a descent parachute from an expended missile during a recovery operation. 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.
A helicopter sustained rotor entanglement after a descent parachute from an expended missile inflated and blew toward the aircraft during a recovery mission.
What happened
The flight was conducted for the specific purpose of locating and retrieving an expended missile. According to the pilot's account, he successfully spotted the target and initiated a landing maneuver approximately 25 feet away from it. The aircraft touched down on the downwind side of the missile.
Shortly after the pilot reduced the throttle to flight idle, a descent parachute that had been draped over the missile inflated. The force of inflation caused the parachute to blow toward the helicopter. It became entangled in both the main and tail rotor systems, resulting in significant mechanical interference with the aircraft's propulsion components.
Probable cause
The entanglement of the helicopter's main and tail rotors by a descent parachute from an expended missile during a recovery operation.
What happened in the 29 Sept 1993 Bell 206B accident near Wht Sands MR, NM?
A helicopter sustained rotor entanglement after a descent parachute from an expended missile inflated and blew toward the aircraft during a recovery mission.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Sept 1993 involved a Bell 206B, registration N39049, at Wht Sands MR, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The entanglement of the helicopter's main and tail rotors by a descent parachute from an expended missile during a recovery operation.
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