# NTSB Accident LAX98GA127
> **Bell 205A-1** · 1998-03-23 · LOS ANGELES, CA, USA · FATL
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX98GA127) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*