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NTSB Report
July 15, 1992 · Bell 47G · N3109G
Southwick, MA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 15, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Southwick, MA
Aircraft
Bell 47G
Tail Number
N3109G
Operator
Robert Hunt
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO92LA102
THE PILOT WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN DURING A HOVER-TAXI CHECK AS PART OF A POST-MAINTENANCE FLIGHT TEST. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE HELICOPTER CONTINUED TO ROLL RIGHT (UNCOMMANDED), AND HE WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL DESPITE USING LEFT CYCLIC INPUT. THE MAIN ROTORS STRUCK THE GROUND, AND THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED THE GROUND IN A NOSE DOWN, RIGHT BANK, ATTITUDE. EXAMINATION OF THE HELICOPTER INCLUDED A TEST OF THE HYDRAULIC DAMPERS WHICH WERE CONNECTED TO THE STABILIZER BAR ASSEMBLY. THE TEST REVEALED THAT THE DAMPERS WERE NOT ADJUSTED ADEQUATELY, WHICH RESULTED IN LITTLE TO NO RESPONSE TO CYCLIC CONTROL INPUT.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER ADJUSTMENT OF THE STABILIZER CONTROL SYSTEM BY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN DURING A HOVER-TAXI CHECK AS PART OF A POST-MAINTENANCE FLIGHT TEST. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE HELICOPTER CONTINUED TO ROLL RIGHT (UNCOMMANDED), AND HE WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL DESPITE USING LEFT CYCLIC INPUT. THE MAIN ROTORS STRUCK THE GROUND, AND THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED THE GROUND IN A NOSE DOWN, RIGHT BANK, ATTITUDE. EXAMINATION OF THE HELICOPTER INCLUDED A TEST OF THE HYDRAULIC DAMPERS WHICH WERE CONNECTED TO THE STABILIZER BAR ASSEMBLY. THE TEST REVEALED THAT THE DAMPERS WERE NOT ADJUSTED ADEQUATELY, WHICH RESULTED IN LITTLE TO NO RESPONSE TO CYCLIC CONTROL INPUT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:55 EDT
Nearest AirportScibelli Heliport (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G
Tail NumberN3109G
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobert Hunt
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6V-335-A · Reciprocating · 210
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 63 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO