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NTSB Report
June 28, 1990 · Bell BH-47G · N3081G
Seagrove, NC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 28, 1990
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Seagrove, NC
Aircraft
Bell BH-47G
Tail Number
N3081G
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL90LA138
WHILE ON A ROUTINE POWER LINE PATROL FLIGHT, THE PILOT HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE HELICOPTER YAWED TO THE LEFT, AND SPLIT ENGINE/ROTOR RPM INDICATIONS WERE OBSERVED. AN AUTOROTATION WAS PERFORMED IN A PARTIALLY CLEARED AREA AND THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED TREES AND TERRAIN. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THE NUMBER FOUR CONNECTING ROD BELT HAD FAILED. THE CONNECTING ROD SEPARATED FROM THE CRANKSHAFT AND JAMMED ITSELF AGAINST THE CRANKSHAFT, RESULTING IN ENGINE STOPPAGE.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE OF A NUMBER FOUR CONNECTING ROD BOLT FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON.
Full Narrative
WHILE ON A ROUTINE POWER LINE PATROL FLIGHT, THE PILOT HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE HELICOPTER YAWED TO THE LEFT, AND SPLIT ENGINE/ROTOR RPM INDICATIONS WERE OBSERVED. AN AUTOROTATION WAS PERFORMED IN A PARTIALLY CLEARED AREA AND THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED TREES AND TERRAIN. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THE NUMBER FOUR CONNECTING ROD BELT HAD FAILED. THE CONNECTING ROD SEPARATED FROM THE CRANKSHAFT AND JAMMED ITSELF AGAINST THE CRANKSHAFT, RESULTING IN ENGINE STOPPAGE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell BH-47G
Tail NumberN3081G
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO540-B1B3 · Reciprocating · 305
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 47 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 10 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0