Bell 206L-1 accident near Patterson, Louisiana, March 14, 2006
On March 14, 2006 at about 1:40 pm local time, a Bell 206L-1 (helicopter), registered N370RL, was destroyed in an accident near Patterson, Louisiana (Harry P Williams Memorial airport). It was flown under charter and air-taxi rules (Part 135). 2 people were killed and 2 people had minor injuries. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The improper installation of an engine fuel line fitting by other maintenance personnel, which resulted in a loose fitting and a loss of engine power during cruise flight. Factors associated with the accident are a tailwind, and the lack of a suitable site for a forced landing.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- March 14, 2006 · about 1:40 pm local time
- Place
- Patterson, Louisiana · Harry P Williams Memorial
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 2 people were killed and 2 people had minor injuries.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Bell 206L-1 · all 206L-1s on the register
- Registration
- N370RL · registry record · serial 45370
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Flight
- Flight · charter and air-taxi rules (Part 135)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
Approximately 5 minutes after departing on a Title 14, CFR Part 135 air taxi cross-country flight, the helicopter had a loss of engine power while in cruise flight. The commercial helicopter pilot subsequently made a hard forced landing at an off-airport site comprised of tall vegetation and soft terrain. The helicopter came to rest in an upright position, and the two rear seat passengers were able to egress unassisted. Moments later, the helicopter was engulfed in flames. The wreckage path was oriented on a magnetic heading of 225 degrees, and the wind was reported as from 020 degrees at 12 knots. An examination of the engine at the accident site revealed that the fuel line to fuel nozzle "B" nut could be turned by hand, and did not contain a lock wire as required. All other fittings and nuts on the engine were found to be secure. A review of the helicopter's maintenance records revealed that a 50-hour fuel nozzle inspection was performed the evening prior to the accident flight. This inspection required the removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, reassembly, and reinstallation of the fuel nozzle. An interview with maintenance personnel revealed that fuel nozzle installation procedures found in the engine manufacturer's maintenance manual had not been followed. A tear down examination of the engine was performed. The engine examination revealed no preimpact anomalies. Investigators conducted operational tests on an engine of the same make and model. The tests were performed in an effort to determine what effect a loose fuel nozzle "B" nut would have on the engine's operation. The test revealed that the engine would experience a substantial loss of power that could conclude in a flame out. Testing further revealed that conditions would have been conducive for an in-flight fire. Investigators could not determine if the fire originated in-flight, or during the ground impact.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
Pilot
- Certificate: commercial pilot
- Ratings: single-engine land; instrument: airplane; instrument: helicopter; rotorcraft: helicopter
- Flight time: 12,545 hours in all; 11,070 in this make and model; 213 in the last 90 days; 91 in the last 30 days; 12,545 as pilot in command
- Last flight review: February 1, 2006
- Medical certificate: Class 2 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: rgt
- Injury: fatal
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 10,622 hours
- Last inspection: approved inspection programme, March 1, 2006; 30 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 4,050 lb
- Seats: 7
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Allison 250-C30P (turboshaft); 0 hours total
- Fire on the ground
The flight
- Departed from: PTN Patterson LA at 1:35 pm
- Destination: Ship Shoal 216 GM
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 020° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 61°F (16°C), dew point 37°F (3°C)
- Altimeter: 30.15 inHg
- Observation at 1:55 pm from PTN, 3 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 1 | 2 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.