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Casualties unknown

Engine Chip Detector and Bearing Failure Lead to Collision with Trees (N41870)

Ozark, AL, US

On September 29, 1994, a Bell UH-1B (registration N41870) was involved in an aviation accident near Ozark, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The number one, three, and four main bearings failed because of a lack of lubrication. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a positioning flight, an engine chip detector illuminated and later re-illuminated. The pilot continued toward the airport but initiated an autorotation after a low rotor speed warning. The aircraft collided with trees near a field. Post-accident examination revealed three main bearings failed due to lack of lubrication.

Flight Events

While in cruise during a positioning flight, the engine chip detector illuminated. A few seconds later, it extinguished. The terrain below was heavily wooded, and the destination airport was approximately three miles away. The pilot decided to continue toward the airport. Shortly afterward, the chip light re-illuminated, prompting the pilot to search for a landing site. Then the low rotor speed warning horn sounded, and the pilot began an autorotation. However, he was unable to reach an open field and collided with trees at the edge of a field.

Post-Accident Examination

During the post-accident examination of the engine, the number one, three, and four main bearings were found to have failed because of a lack of lubrication.

Probable cause

The number one, three, and four main bearings failed because of a lack of lubrication.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Sept 1994 Bell UH-1B accident near Ozark, AL?

During a positioning flight, an engine chip detector illuminated and later re-illuminated. The pilot continued toward the airport but initiated an autorotation after a low rotor speed warning. The aircraft collided with trees near a field. Post-accident examination revealed three main bearings failed due to lack of…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Sept 1994 involved a Bell UH-1B, registration N41870, at Ozark, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The number one, three, and four main bearings failed because of a lack of lubrication.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02183. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.