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NTSB Report
July 12, 1990 · Bell 47D-1 · N8117
Fair Oaks, AR
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 12, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Fair Oaks, AR
Aircraft
Bell 47D-1
Tail Number
N8117
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC90LA144
THE COMMERCIAL PLT SAID THAT WHILE CONDUCTING AN AERIAL APPLICATION OPERATION HE FELT A VIBRATION IN THE AIRCRAFT. HE SAID THAT THERE WAS NO LEFT OR RIGHT PEDAL RESPONSE IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARD. HE INITIATED A RIGHT TURN TO RETURN TO THE AIRSTRIP AND THE HELICOPTER WOULD NOT RECOVER. IT CONTINUED TURNING RIGHT AND DESCENDED UNTIL IT COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. POST-ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE TAIL ROTOR CABLE HAD BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE TAIL ROTOR PITCH DRUM AND HAD WRAPPED AROUND THE FLANGE OF THE PITCH CHANGE DRUM. THE TAIL ROTOR BLADES WERE LOCKED IN THE RIGHT PEDAL POSITION.
NTSB Probable Cause
TAIL ROTOR CABLE DISENGAGEMENT DUE TO INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE.
Full Narrative
THE COMMERCIAL PLT SAID THAT WHILE CONDUCTING AN AERIAL APPLICATION OPERATION HE FELT A VIBRATION IN THE AIRCRAFT. HE SAID THAT THERE WAS NO LEFT OR RIGHT PEDAL RESPONSE IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARD. HE INITIATED A RIGHT TURN TO RETURN TO THE AIRSTRIP AND THE HELICOPTER WOULD NOT RECOVER. IT CONTINUED TURNING RIGHT AND DESCENDED UNTIL IT COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. POST-ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE TAIL ROTOR CABLE HAD BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE TAIL ROTOR PITCH DRUM AND HAD WRAPPED AROUND THE FLANGE OF THE PITCH CHANGE DRUM. THE TAIL ROTOR BLADES WERE LOCKED IN THE RIGHT PEDAL POSITION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:00 CDT
Nearest AirportHESS (1nm)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47D-1
Tail NumberN8117
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-A1D · Reciprocating · 260
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 3 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO