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NTSB Report
November 23, 1990 · Bell 47J2A · N8514P
Matoaca, VA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 23, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Matoaca, VA
Aircraft
Bell 47J2A
Tail Number
N8514P
Operator
Arthur J Pryor
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO91LA018
THE PLT REPORTED HE WAS EN ROUTE WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN RUNNING ROUGH. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE LOST POWER COMPLETELY. AN AUTOROTATION LANDING WAS MADE IN A PLOWED FIELD WHERE THE ACFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT REVEALED THE LEFT FUEL TANK WAS ONE-THIRD FULL AND THE RIGHT TANK WAS EMPTY. THE LEFT FUEL TANK VENT WAS OBSTRUCTED WITH MUD.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF FOUR PROPELLER RETENTION AND THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF THE FORCED LANDING APPROACH.
Full Narrative
THE PLT REPORTED HE WAS EN ROUTE WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN RUNNING ROUGH. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE LOST POWER COMPLETELY. AN AUTOROTATION LANDING WAS MADE IN A PLOWED FIELD WHERE THE ACFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT REVEALED THE LEFT FUEL TANK WAS ONE-THIRD FULL AND THE RIGHT TANK WAS EMPTY. THE LEFT FUEL TANK VENT WAS OBSTRUCTED WITH MUD.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:53 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47J2A
Tail NumberN8514P
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorArthur J Pryor
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-540 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 12 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:00
Weather SourceWFAC