LAKE CHARLES, LA, USA
N57340
BELL 206BIII
DURING TAKEOFF, THE LEFT SKID CAME OFF OF THE GROUND AND THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO ROLL TO THE RIGHT. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE LANDING ZONE WAS 'SOGGY' AND THAT THE RIGHT SKID 'CUT INTO THE SOD FAIRLY WELL...BRINGING ABOUT THE RAPID ROLL RATE TO THE RIGHT' WHEN THE RIGHT HEAL DID NOT COME OUT OF THE SOD.
On March 10, 1994 at 1052 central standard time, a Bell 206B, N57340, was substantially damaged during takeoff near Lake Charles, Louisiana. The airline transport rated pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR 133 flight. In the Pilot/Operator Report, the pilot stated that, upon taking off, the left skid came off of the ground and the aircraft began to roll to the right. Subsequently, the main rotor blade contacted the ground resulting in the main rotor head separating. The aircraft came to rest on its right side. The pilot also stated that the grass in the "landing zone was fairly soggy." He reported that the right skid "had cut the surface of the sod and was actually sunken fairly well." Additionally, he stated that the "right heal did not come cleanly out of this cut...bringing about the rapid roll rate to the right."
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ADEQUATELY PERFORM A PREFLIGHT. A FACTOR WAS THE SOFT TERRAIN.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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