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September 13, 1994 · Bell 47D1 WASP · N908B

Hazel Green, AL

Overview

Report Status
Factual report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 13, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hazel Green, AL
Aircraft
Bell 47D1 WASP
Tail Number
N908B
Operator
Valley Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL94LA172

THE OPERATOR REPORTED THAT DURING DEPARTURE FROM THE AERIAL APPLICATION LOADING AREA, AN UNDETERMINED MALFUNCTION OCCURRED. THE PILOT ABORTED THE TAKEOFF, AND MADE A SLIDE-ON LANDING TO THE GRASSY AREA BETWEEN THE RUNWAY AND ADJACENT CROPS. DURING THE SLIDING STOP, THE SPRAY BOOM CAUGHT IN THE CROPS, THE RIGHT SKID COLLAPSED, AND THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OVER. THE ENGINE WAS EXAMINED WITH NO ANOMALIES FOUND. DENSITY ALTITUDE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WAS 2300 FEET.

Full Narrative

On September 13, 1994, about 1750 central daylight time, a Bell 47D1 Wasp, N908B, failed to climb during departure at Hazel Green, Alabama, collided with crops, and rolled over. The helicopter was operated by the pilot/owner under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 137, and visual flight rules. A flight plan was not filed for the aerial application flight. The commercial pilot was not injured, and the helicopter was substantially damaged. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the operator's report, during the attempted takeoff from the loading area, an unknown malfunction occurred. The pilot elected to execute a slide-on landing in the grassy area between the runway and a cotton field. As the helicopter was sliding to a stop, the spray boom caught in cotton stalks beside the takeoff area. The helicopter yawed, the right skid broke off, and the aircraft rolled over, severing the tail boom. According to the operator's report, the pilot had 3500 flight hours in the same make and model aircraft. An inspector from the Alabama Flight Standards District Office reported that cylinder number one would hold 95 pounds of pressure, using an automotive compression tester. Cylinders number three and five would hold 110 pounds, and cylinders number two, four, and six would hold 140 pounds. Magneto timing, spark plug condition, and carburetor heat operation were all reported as ok. The engine was cranked and oil pressure came up. The inspector believed that the engine would operate within specifications, if a rotor assembly were attached. Density altitude for the time of the accident was calculated to be 2300 feet, based upon an elevation of 814 feet and a temperature of 83 degrees, Fahrenheit.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:50 CDT
Nearest AirportJones Field (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47D1 WASP
Tail NumberN908B
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorValley Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-A1F · Reciprocating · 260
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 3 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data