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NTSB Report
October 12, 1991 · Bell 47G-3B-1 · N5NH
Catawissa, PA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 12, 1991
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Location
Catawissa, PA
Aircraft
Bell 47G-3B-1
Tail Number
N5NH
Operator
Sutliff Farms
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC92LA006
THE HELICOPTER HAD FUNCTIONING DUAL CONTROLS INSTALLED. THE PILOT BOARDED THREE PASSENGERS, 2 LARGE ADULTS AND ONE CHILD (TOTALING 520 LBS) FOR A SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT. THE THREE PASSENGERS WERE SEATED IN A DOUBLE SEAT AND HELD BY ONE SEAT BELT. AFTER TAKEOFF, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED AN UNCONTROLLED RIGHT TURN AND THE RIGHT SKID STRUCK THE GROUND FLIPPING THE HELICOPTER OVER. HE SAID THE CYCLIC WAS JAMMED AGAINST ONE OF THE PASSENGERS LEG. POST CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE WEIGHT AND BALANCE DISCLOSED THE TAKEOFF CENTER OF GRAVITY WAS 1.3 INCHES FORWARD OF THE FORWARD LIMIT.
NTSB Probable Cause
PILOT FACTOR IN THAT THE PILOT USED POOR JUDGEMENT AND LOADED MORE PASSENGERS THAN WERE SEATS ON THE HELICOPTER THIS RESULTED IN CONTROL INTERFERENCE AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF CONTROL. CONTRIBUTING WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CHECK THE WEIGHT AND BALANCE FOR THE FLIGHT WHICH RESULTED IN FLIGHT OUTSIDE THE FORWARD LIMITS.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER HAD FUNCTIONING DUAL CONTROLS INSTALLED. THE PILOT BOARDED THREE PASSENGERS, 2 LARGE ADULTS AND ONE CHILD (TOTALING 520 LBS) FOR A SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT. THE THREE PASSENGERS WERE SEATED IN A DOUBLE SEAT AND HELD BY ONE SEAT BELT. AFTER TAKEOFF, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED AN UNCONTROLLED RIGHT TURN AND THE RIGHT SKID STRUCK THE GROUND FLIPPING THE HELICOPTER OVER. HE SAID THE CYCLIC WAS JAMMED AGAINST ONE OF THE PASSENGERS LEG. POST CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE WEIGHT AND BALANCE DISCLOSED THE TAKEOFF CENTER OF GRAVITY WAS 1.3 INCHES FORWARD OF THE FORWARD LIMIT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-3B-1
Tail NumberN5NH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSutliff Farms
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TVO-435-D1B · Reciprocating · 270
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor4
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 56 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 36 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT