Bell 222 accident near Spencer, IA
On August 21, 1998, a Bell 222 (helicopter) was involved in an accident near Spencer, IA. 3 people died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- August 21, 1998
- Place
- Spencer, IA
- Aircraft
- Bell 222 · Helicopter
- Injuries
- 3 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 43.140°N, 95.149°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001211X10786
NTSB summary
On August 20, 1998, at 2114 central daylight time (All times central daylight time), a Bell 222, N30SV, operated by Rocky Mountain Holdings, was destroyed as a result of an in-flight breakup during cruise descent. The pilot, flight nurse, and flight paramedic were fatally injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight had departed from the Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and was en route to the Spencer Municipal Hospital, Spencer, Iowa, for a patient transfer. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a company VFR flight plan had been filed. The Sioux Valley Hospital Communications Center's Transport Request form indicated that they had received a call from the Spencer Municipal Hospital for a helicopter transport at 2027. The transport log indicated that the pilot was notified at 2027 and that the pilot checked the weather. He confirmed that the weather was acceptable for a VFR night flight at 2031. The transport log indicated that the helicopter departed at 2039. The distance to the Spencer Municipal Hospital was 71 miles. The ETE was 33 minutes. The helicopter had 1:45 hours fuel on board. The transport log indicated that the pilot made three position reports during the flight. At 2052, the helicopter had an ETA of 22 minutes. At 2101, the helicopter had an ETA of 13 minutes. At 2109, the helicopter ha an ETA of 5 minutes. The pilot did not indicate there was any anomaly concerning the flight when he provided the position reports. Radar data indicated the helicopter maintained a direct course to Spencer, Iowa. The helicopter maintained an altitude between 2,5
Probable cause
The below standard (loose) fit of the 'white' swashplate outer ring pin resulting in fatigue and subsequent separation of the pin, and ultimately the in-flight breakup of the rotorcraft. A factor was the manufacturer's dissemination of the pin which did not meet dimensional standards.
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Browse: Iowa · Bell aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
