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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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July 21, 1995 · Williams Bell OH13H/TOMCAT MK5A OH13H/TOMC · N3771W

Alicia, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 21, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Alicia, AR
Aircraft
Williams Bell OH13H/TOMCAT MK5A OH13H/TOMC
Tail Number
N3771W
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW95LA310

FOLLOWING AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS, THE PILOT LANDED TO REFUEL AND TO LOAD CHEMICALS. AFTER PLACING THE FUEL HOSE IN THE TANK, THE PILOT WALKED AWAY FROM THE HELICOPTER TO TALK TO A CUSTOMER. HE FAILED TO REMOVE THE REFUELING HOSE PRIOR TO TAKEOFF RESULTING IN THE HELICOPTER STRIKING A PARKED VEHICLE.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REMOVE THE REFUELING HOSE. A FACTOR WAS THAT HE DIVERTED HIS ATTENTION FROM THE REFUELING OPERATION.

Full Narrative

On July 21, 1995, at 1630 central daylight time, a Williams Flying Service OH13H/Tomcat MK5A, N3771W, impacted the ground during takeoff near Alicia, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was seriously injured and the helicopter sustained substantial damage. No flight plan was filed for the aerial application flight operated by AAC Flying Service under Title 14 CFR Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight which was originating when the accident occurred. The operator reported that the pilot landed to refuel and to load chemicals. After placing the fuel hose in the tank, the pilot walked away from the helicopter to talk to a customer. The pilot returned to the aircraft and "attempted to takeoff with the fuel hose still in fuel tank" resulting in the aircraft striking the "ground and a 1990 Ford pickup at the same time." The rotor blades, skids, and fuselage of the helicopter were damaged.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWilliams Bell OH13H/TOMCAT MK5A OH13H/TOMC
Tail NumberN3771W
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-A1F · Reciprocating · 260

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 24 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 1 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data