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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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January 17, 1995 · Bell 47G-3B · N8462E

Natchez, MS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 17, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Natchez, MS
Aircraft
Bell 47G-3B
Tail Number
N8462E
Operator
Tillman Clifford R
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA95LA058

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE FAILED TO SEPARATE THE PORTABLE TRANSPORT (DOLLY) BEFORE TAKEOFF. DURING LIFTOFF, HE RECOGNIZED THAT THE DOLLY WAS SECURED AND ATTEMPTED TO LAND. THE HELICOPTER ROLLED ONTO ITS LEFT SIDE, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES CONTACTED THE GROUND AND SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM. A POST CRASH FIRE ENSUED.

NTSB Probable Cause

INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT OF THE HELICOPTER BY THE PILOT FOR HIS FAILURE TO SEPARATE THE DOLLY BEFORE ATTEMPTING FLIGHT.

Full Narrative

On January 17, 1995, about 1620 central standard time, a Bell 47G-3B, N8462E, registered to Cherrybark Land and Timber Co., Inc., crashed during takeoff from a private airstrip near Natchez, Mississippi, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter was destroyed by a post crash fire and the private-rated pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that before takeoff he failed to separate the ground handling dolly from the helicopter. During liftoff he recognized the dolly was still attached and he attempted to land the helicopter. The helicopter rolled onto its left side. The main rotor blades contacted the ground then severed the tail boom and a fire ensued.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:20 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionUnknown

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G-3B
Tail NumberN8462E
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorTillman Clifford R
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-AIA · Reciprocating · 265
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 54
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:14
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data