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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 5, 1995 · Bell 47-G2 · N4423

Freer, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 5, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Freer, TX
Aircraft
Bell 47-G2
Tail Number
N4423
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA008

The pilot reported that he took off from a road with the winds from the north at 1-3 knots. During the initial climb, 'extremely dusty conditions' from the rotor wash prevented him from seeing the power lines. A skid hooked the lines and the aircraft rotated to the right. The pilot further reported that he increased collective pitch; however, the tail rotor blades contacted the lines and tail rotor control was lost immediately.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines due to his improper takeoff technique. A factor was the helicopter induced blowing dust which impaired the pilot's visibility.

Full Narrative

On October 5, 1995, at 0915 central daylight time, a Bell 47-G2, N4423, registered to and operated by a private owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91 was substantially damaged following impact with power lines near Freer, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight and a flight plan was not filed. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries and his passenger was not injured. The flight was originating, at the time of the accident, from the Caramucha Ranch. The pilot reported that he initiated a takeoff from a county road, with the winds from the north at approximately 1-3 knots. During initial climb, "extremely dusty conditions from [the] rotor wash" prevented him from seeing the power lines. A skid "hooked the lines and the aircraft rotated to the right." The pilot further reported that he increased collective pitch; however, "the tail rotor blades contacted the lines and tail rotor control was lost immediately." The pilot responded by "chopping" the throttle and cushioning the landing with the collective. Examination of the aircraft revealed that the tailboom had separated from the helicopter, the centerframe was structurally damaged, and the main rotor blades had partially separated from the aircraft.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:15 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47-G2
Tail NumberN4423
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435 AID · Reciprocating · 260
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 17 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data