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NTSB Report
May 13, 1990 · Bell 47D · N4229A
Baltimore, MD
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 13, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Baltimore, MD
Aircraft
Bell 47D
Tail Number
N4229A
Operator
Jesse G Hadaway
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO90LA042
THE PLT WAS PRACTICING LANDINGS WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. HE REPORTED THAT AFTER TOUCH DOWN, AS THE FORWARD MOTION OF THE HELICOPTER SLOWED, HE NOTICED THE HELICOPTER PITCHED SLIGHTLY DOWN. THE PLT STATED HE INSTINCTIVELY APPLIED AFT CYCLIC PRESSURE, CAUSING THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES TO FLEX DOWN AND SEVERE THE TAIL CONE. NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION WAS REPORTED.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT APPLIED EXCESSIVE CYCLIC CONTROL, CAUSING THE MAIN ROTOR TO FLEX AND SEVERE THE TAIL CONE.
Full Narrative
THE PLT WAS PRACTICING LANDINGS WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. HE REPORTED THAT AFTER TOUCH DOWN, AS THE FORWARD MOTION OF THE HELICOPTER SLOWED, HE NOTICED THE HELICOPTER PITCHED SLIGHTLY DOWN. THE PLT STATED HE INSTINCTIVELY APPLIED AFT CYCLIC PRESSURE, CAUSING THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES TO FLEX DOWN AND SEVERE THE TAIL CONE. NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION WAS REPORTED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 EDT
Nearest AirportEssex Skypark (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47D
Tail NumberN4229A
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJesse G Hadaway
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6V4-335 · Reciprocating · 210
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 11 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingUnknown 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 59
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time13:52
Weather SourceWFAC