Banning, CA, USA
N242BH
BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON 206L-1
On September 10, 2022, about 1548, a Bell 206L-1 helicopter, N242BH, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Banning, California. The pilot and two passengers received minor injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 repositioning flight. According to the pilot, he was contracted by a Cal Fire and was transporting two passengers to the Banning Municipal Airport (BNG) Banning, California. The pilot had established the helicopter on a final approach path to land between the runway and taxiway. While on approach, the helicopter made an uncommanded yaw to the right, to which the pilot countered with left anti-torque pedal application. The helicopter then began to yaw to the right again despite full application of left anti-torque pedal. The pilot announced that he lost his tail rotor and elected to increase his speed. He rejected an autorotation due to the multiple hazards beneath the helicopter. After the helicopter had turned about 180°, the pilot saw a back yard and maneuvered the helicopter toward it. As he neared the back yard, about 50 ft above ground level, the helicopter spun about its vertical axis. The pilot did not recall deliberately entering an autorotation and stated that it was more like he settled down in the back yard. When the helicopter got close to the ground, he applied collective to cushion the landing. The helicopter landed hard and rolled onto its side. The pilot turned off the fuel switch and exited the helicopter with the assistance from first responders. The two passengers assisted each other in exiting the helicopter. Multiple witness reported that they saw the helicopter approaching the airport then spinning to the right, followed by a descent to the ground. The helicopter came to rest on its left side. All major components were in the back yard near the main wreckage. Fragments of the main rotor blade were located on a nearby street. Examination of the fuselage by a representative of the Federal Aviation Administration and party members from the contractor revealed the tail rotor drive shaft had separated from the transmission at the first coupling. A fractured bolt and a washer were found near the end of the drive shaft. Two bolt ends and the associated nuts and washers were lodged in one end of the drive shaft assembly. The helicopter was recovered to a secured facility for further examinations.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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