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NTSB Report
April 27, 1991 · Bell 47G4 · N1195W
Corpus Christi, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 27, 1991
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Corpus Christi, TX
Aircraft
Bell 47G4
Tail Number
N1195W
Operator
W J Tiller
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW91LA064
A COMMERCIAL PILOT WAS MANEUVERING A HELICOPTER TO CONTROL A HERD OF CATTLE. THE PILOT NOTICED AN INTERMITTENT BINDING IN THE LEFT QUADRANT OF THE CYCLIC CONTROL. HE NOTIFIED HIS FLIGHT LEADER OF HIS INTENTIONS TO LAND AND INSPECT THE HYDRAULIC SERVOS IN THE FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM, AND INITIATED A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING CLOSE TO THEIR MAINTENANCE SUPPORT VEHICLE. DURING THE LANDING FLARE, THE HELICOPTER PITCHED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT REAR AS THE LATERAL CYCLIC CONTROL BECAME LOCKED. THE PILOT APPLIED FULL RIGHT PEDAL TO TRY TO CUSHION THE LANDING AND PREVENT THE HELICOPTER FROM ROLLING. THE HELICOPTER WAS DESTROYED UPON IMPACT WITH THE MESQUITE TREES. THE FAILED LATERAL SERVO HAD BEEN REPLACED BY AN UNQUALIFIED PERSON PRIOR TO THIS FLIGHT.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE INITIAL RESTRICTED MOVEMENT AND EVENTUAL LOCKING OF THE CYCLIC CONTROL AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE OF THE LATERAL SERVO. A FACTOR WAS THE INSTALLATION OF THE FAILED COMPONENT BY AN UNQUALIFIED PERSON.
Full Narrative
A COMMERCIAL PILOT WAS MANEUVERING A HELICOPTER TO CONTROL A HERD OF CATTLE. THE PILOT NOTICED AN INTERMITTENT BINDING IN THE LEFT QUADRANT OF THE CYCLIC CONTROL. HE NOTIFIED HIS FLIGHT LEADER OF HIS INTENTIONS TO LAND AND INSPECT THE HYDRAULIC SERVOS IN THE FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM, AND INITIATED A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING CLOSE TO THEIR MAINTENANCE SUPPORT VEHICLE. DURING THE LANDING FLARE, THE HELICOPTER PITCHED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT REAR AS THE LATERAL CYCLIC CONTROL BECAME LOCKED. THE PILOT APPLIED FULL RIGHT PEDAL TO TRY TO CUSHION THE LANDING AND PREVENT THE HELICOPTER FROM ROLLING. THE HELICOPTER WAS DESTROYED UPON IMPACT WITH THE MESQUITE TREES. THE FAILED LATERAL SERVO HAD BEEN REPLACED BY AN UNQUALIFIED PERSON PRIOR TO THIS FLIGHT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G4
Tail NumberN1195W
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorW J Tiller
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-540-B1B3 · Reciprocating · 280
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 12 kt
Visibility2 sm
CeilingOvercast 900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT