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NTSB Report
January 17, 1990 · Bell 47-G2 · N90836
Lafayette, IN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 17, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lafayette, IN
Aircraft
Bell 47-G2
Tail Number
N90836
Operator
Townsend John R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI90LA067
THE PRIVATE PILOT RATED HELICOPTER STUDENT WAS PERFORMING THE FIRST LANDING ON HIS FIRST SOLO HELICOPTER FLIGHT, WHILE HIS INSTRUCTOR OBSERVED FROM THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER STUDENT REPORTED THAT HE WAS LANDING INTO 15 KNOT WINDS, AND STATED THAT THE 'AIRCRAFT WAS SET TO THE GROUND SLOWLY...(HOWEVER) I DID NOT PLACE (COLLECTIVE) FIRMLY ON THE FLOOR. AIRCRAFT WAS LIGHT ON SKIDS AIRCRAFT ROTATED LEFT...OVER CONTROL (RESULTED IN A) TAIL STRIKE...LOSS OF ANTI-TORQUE CONTROL...' THE HELICOPTER ROTATED 360 DEGREES BEFORE THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND AND THE HELICOPTER CAME TO A REST ON ITS SIDE. THE PILOT'S LOGBOOK RECORDS INDICATED 3,693 HOURS TOTAL FLIGHT TIME, INCLUDING 15 HOURS OF ROTORCRAFT EXPERIENCE. THE 15 HOURS OF ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT TIME WERE ACQUIRED IN THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT WITHIN THE 30 DAYS PRECEDING THE ACCIDENT.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE HELICOPTER STUDENT'S IPROPER USE OF THE COLLECTIVE PITCH LEVER DURING THE LANDING PHASE OF FLIGHT. THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPEREINCE, THE RELATIVELY HIGH WIND, AND INADVERTENT LIFTOFF OF THE HELICOPTER WERE FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT.
Full Narrative
THE PRIVATE PILOT RATED HELICOPTER STUDENT WAS PERFORMING THE FIRST LANDING ON HIS FIRST SOLO HELICOPTER FLIGHT, WHILE HIS INSTRUCTOR OBSERVED FROM THE GROUND. THE HELICOPTER STUDENT REPORTED THAT HE WAS LANDING INTO 15 KNOT WINDS, AND STATED THAT THE 'AIRCRAFT WAS SET TO THE GROUND SLOWLY...(HOWEVER) I DID NOT PLACE (COLLECTIVE) FIRMLY ON THE FLOOR. AIRCRAFT WAS LIGHT ON SKIDS AIRCRAFT ROTATED LEFT...OVER CONTROL (RESULTED IN A) TAIL STRIKE...LOSS OF ANTI-TORQUE CONTROL...' THE HELICOPTER ROTATED 360 DEGREES BEFORE THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND AND THE HELICOPTER CAME TO A REST ON ITS SIDE. THE PILOT'S LOGBOOK RECORDS INDICATED 3,693 HOURS TOTAL FLIGHT TIME, INCLUDING 15 HOURS OF ROTORCRAFT EXPERIENCE. THE 15 HOURS OF ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT TIME WERE ACQUIRED IN THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT WITHIN THE 30 DAYS PRECEDING THE ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 EST
Nearest AirportAretz Field (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47-G2
Tail NumberN90836
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTownsend John R
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-A1F · Reciprocating · 250
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 14 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingOvercast 1900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 54
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:45
Weather SourceWFAC