Accident: Bell UH 1B
May 7, 2016 · Maxwell, CA
NTSB numberWPR16LA104Event id20160511X23030
- 0
- Fatalities
- 0
- Serious injuries
- 0
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Uninjured
Probable cause
A reduction in available engine power during takeoff due to a stuck hot air valve, which resulted in low rotor rpm and a forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the lack of dry film lubricant and the presence of corrosion on the hot air valve assembly, which resulted in the sticking of the valve.
Source: National Transportation Safety Board. Record last changed Oct 28, 2026, 10:54 UTC.
Aircraft involved
- Aircraft
- Bell UH 1B
- Registration
- N486SA
- Year built
- 1962
- Category
- Helicopter
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rules
- Part 137: agricultural
- Defining event
- Takeoff Loss of engine power (partial)
Source: National Transportation Safety Board aviation accident database. Counts only; Voydar holds no names.
Nearest airports
Airports with a Voydar profile closest to the recorded position. Proximity only.
- Willows Glenn County Airport (WLW)13 nm (25 km) north
This page restates the NTSB's public record. Injury figures are counts; Voydar does not hold or publish the names of anyone involved.