4 fatal · Bell 205A-1 · 1998-03-23 · LOS ANGELES, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX98GA127
Event ID
20001211X09703
Type
Accident
Date
1998-03-23
Location
LOS ANGELES, CA, USA
Coordinates
34.099372, -118.319046
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
4
Serious
2
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
6
Aircraft
Make
Bell
Model
205A-1
Registration
N90230
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
An excessive bending load applied to the tail rotor blade assembly of an undetermined origin which produced a fatigue crack, the separation of the assembly, and a forced landing. Factors were the lack of suitable terrain to perform a forced landing, the manufacturer's unclear maintenance bulletin instruction and procedures which facilitated the operator's inadequate inspection for the yoke's straightness, and the inadequacy of restraint systems and protective equipment.