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NTSB Report
February 13, 1993 · Bell 47G · N1185W
Bakersfield, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 13, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bakersfield, CA
Aircraft
Bell 47G
Tail Number
N1185W
Operator
Inland Crop Dusting
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX93LA120
THE HELICOPTER WAS FULLY LOADED WITH FERTILIZER BEFORE DEPARTING THE TRUCK LOADING PLATFORM. SHORTLY AFTER LIFT OFF THE HELICOPTER'S CLUTCH SLIPPED AND DISENGAGED THE MAIN ROTOR FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE PILOT DID NOT JETTISON THE LOAD AND THE HELICOPTER SUSTAINED A HARD LANDING.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE CLUTCH SLIPPAGE AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO JETTISON THE LOAD.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER WAS FULLY LOADED WITH FERTILIZER BEFORE DEPARTING THE TRUCK LOADING PLATFORM. SHORTLY AFTER LIFT OFF THE HELICOPTER'S CLUTCH SLIPPED AND DISENGAGED THE MAIN ROTOR FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE PILOT DID NOT JETTISON THE LOAD AND THE HELICOPTER SUSTAINED A HARD LANDING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:28 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G
Tail NumberN1185W
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorInland Crop Dusting
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-540-B1B3 · Reciprocating · 280
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 24 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO