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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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NTSB Report

October 3, 1995 · Bell 47G-4A · N6SR

Edinburg, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 3, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 2 uninjured
Location
Edinburg, TX
Aircraft
Bell 47G-4A
Tail Number
N6SR
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA005

According to the pilot, he had lifted off from a flat bed trailer and was hovering at a height of 6 feet. As the helicopter transitioned forward (approximately 20 knots indicated airspeed) and at a height estimated at 15 to 20 feet AGL, the helicopter encountered a 30 knot wind gust approximately 60 to 80 degrees off the left side. The aircraft rolled right, the nose pitched down, and the right skid contacted the water. The aircraft came to rest in a pond in approximately 3-1/2 feet of water.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper takeoff planning which resulted in the loss of conrol. A factor was the gusty crosswind condition.

Full Narrative

On October 3, 1995, at 1310 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-4A, N6SR, registered and operated by Smith Helicopters under Title 14 CFR Part 91 was substantially damaged following a loss of control near Edinburg, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight and a flight plan was not filed. The airline transport rated pilot and one passenger were not injured, while another passenger received minor injuries. The flight was originating, at the time of the accident, from the Santa Anita Ranch. According to the pilot, he lifted off from a flat bed trailer and was hovering at a height of 6 feet. As the helicopter transitioned forward (approximately 20 knots indicated airspeed) and at a height estimated at 15 to 20 feet AGL, the helicopter encountered a 30 knot wind gust approximately 60 to 80 degrees off the left side. The aircraft rolled right, nose pitched down, and the right skid contacted the water. The aircraft came to rest in a pond in approximately 3 1/2 feet of water. Examination of the aircraft revealed that the tailboom had separated from the helicopter, the main rotor mast separated, the main rotor blades and the tail rotor were destroyed, the cockpit windshield was shattered, and the right fuel tank was missing (presumed sunk).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:10 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G-4A
Tail NumberN6SR
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-540-B1B3 · Reciprocating · 280
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured2
Total3
Crew 1Age 46 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time17:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data