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NTSB Report
June 16, 1990 · Bell 47G-3B1 · N67223
Cedar Rapids, IA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 16, 1990
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Location
Cedar Rapids, IA
Aircraft
Bell 47G-3B1
Tail Number
N67223
Operator
Badger Helicopters
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC90FA130
THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN AND A FENCE, SHORTLY AFTER THE PILOT TOOK OFF FROM A FAIR GROUND AT NIGHT ON A SIGHT-SEEING FLIGHT. A HOME VIDEO RECORDING OF THE TAKEOFF SHOWED AGGRESSIVE MANEUVERING OF THE HELICOPTER WITH RAPID CHANGES IN AIRCRAFT ATTITUDE, DIRECTION, AND ALTITUDE. A WITNESS REPORTED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF, THE PILOT MADE A TURN THAT 'WAS NOT SAFE,' AND THEN IT DEPARTED AT AN ALTITUDE OF ABOUT 50 FT AGL BEFORE CRASHING ABOUT 1/8 MI AWAY. ANOTHER WITNESS REPORTED THAT BEFORE THE ACCIDENT, THE HELICOPTER WAS FLYING AT LOW ALTITUDE ALONG A ROAD AND NEAR A POWER LINE. ACCORDING TO HIM, THE HELICOPTER WAS IN PROXIMITY OF THE POWER LINE, WHEN IT 'SWUNG TO THE LEFT, THEN TURNED UPSIDE DOWN AND PLOWED INTO THE GROUND.' NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL PROBLEM WAS FOUND WITH THE AIRFRAME OR POWERPLANT.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE HELICOPTER DURING MANEUVERING FLIGHT. DARKNESS AND THE PILOT'S MANNER OF FLYING THE AIRCRAFT (OSTENTATIOUS DISPLAY) WERE CONSIDERED TO BE RELATED FACTORS.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN AND A FENCE, SHORTLY AFTER THE PILOT TOOK OFF FROM A FAIR GROUND AT NIGHT ON A SIGHT-SEEING FLIGHT. A HOME VIDEO RECORDING OF THE TAKEOFF SHOWED AGGRESSIVE MANEUVERING OF THE HELICOPTER WITH RAPID CHANGES IN AIRCRAFT ATTITUDE, DIRECTION, AND ALTITUDE. A WITNESS REPORTED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF, THE PILOT MADE A TURN THAT 'WAS NOT SAFE,' AND THEN IT DEPARTED AT AN ALTITUDE OF ABOUT 50 FT AGL BEFORE CRASHING ABOUT 1/8 MI AWAY. ANOTHER WITNESS REPORTED THAT BEFORE THE ACCIDENT, THE HELICOPTER WAS FLYING AT LOW ALTITUDE ALONG A ROAD AND NEAR A POWER LINE. ACCORDING TO HIM, THE HELICOPTER WAS IN PROXIMITY OF THE POWER LINE, WHEN IT 'SWUNG TO THE LEFT, THEN TURNED UPSIDE DOWN AND PLOWED INTO THE GROUND.' NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL PROBLEM WAS FOUND WITH THE AIRFRAME OR POWERPLANT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-3B1
Tail NumberN67223
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBadger Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-A1F · Reciprocating · 200
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Fatal3
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 31 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind120° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time02:50
Weather SourceWFAC