On February 1, 1996, a Bell 206BIII (registration N90194) was involved in an aviation accident near Kamuela, HI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The nose case (No. 1) bearing failed, and the engine sustained a catastrophic failure due to oil starvation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter experienced engine chip warning lights during air tours, was instructed to ferry to maintenance, then suffered total engine power loss and hard landing. Investigation revealed nose case bearing failure due to oil starvation.
Incident Summary
While conducting local air tours, the pilot of a helicopter received two engine chip warning light illuminations. Following the second warning, the operator instructed the pilot to ferry the aircraft to the company's maintenance base. During the flight to the maintenance facility, the engine experienced a total loss of power, prompting the pilot to execute an emergency landing. The helicopter sustained a hard landing.
Engine Examination
Post-incident examination of the engine revealed that the nose case (No. 1) bearing had failed. The engine sustained a catastrophic failure, which was attributed to oil starvation.
Probable cause
The nose case (No. 1) bearing failed, and the engine sustained a catastrophic failure due to oil starvation.
What happened in the 1 Feb 1996 Bell 206BIII accident near Kamuela, HI?
A helicopter experienced engine chip warning lights during air tours, was instructed to ferry to maintenance, then suffered total engine power loss and hard landing. Investigation revealed nose case bearing failure due to oil starvation.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Feb 1996 involved a Bell 206BIII, registration N90194, at Kamuela, HI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The nose case (No. 1) bearing failed, and the engine sustained a catastrophic failure due to oil starvation.
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