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NTSB Report
January 13, 1988 · Bell 47G-2A1 · XBDGH
San Diego, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 13, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
San Diego, CA
Aircraft
Bell 47G-2A1
Tail Number
XBDGH
Operator
Atunera Maya Sa De Cv
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX88FA085
THE HELICOPTER WAS PARKED AND TIED DOWN ON A HELIPAD ON BOARD A SHIP THAT WAS DOCKED. THE PILOT/MECHANIC FAILED TO RELEASE THE TWO RIGHT SIDE TIE DOWN STRAPS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO HOVER. WHEN THE HELICOPTER LIFTED FROM THE PAD IT ROLLED OVER. THE AIRCRAFT'S FUEL TANKS WERE RUPTURED DURING THE IMPACT SEQUENCE AND PROVIDED FOR THE POST CRASH FIRE. THE FIRE SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED THE SHIP AND DESTROYED THE HELICOPTER.
NTSB Probable Cause
PILOTS COMPLACENCY IN PERFORMING THE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION. HIS FAILURE TO DISCONNECT THE TWO TIE DOWNS STRAPS ATTACHED TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HELICOPTER RESULTED THE ROLL.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER WAS PARKED AND TIED DOWN ON A HELIPAD ON BOARD A SHIP THAT WAS DOCKED. THE PILOT/MECHANIC FAILED TO RELEASE THE TWO RIGHT SIDE TIE DOWN STRAPS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO HOVER. WHEN THE HELICOPTER LIFTED FROM THE PAD IT ROLLED OVER. THE AIRCRAFT'S FUEL TANKS WERE RUPTURED DURING THE IMPACT SEQUENCE AND PROVIDED FOR THE POST CRASH FIRE. THE FIRE SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED THE SHIP AND DESTROYED THE HELICOPTER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length20 ft
Runway Width20 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-2A1
Tail NumberXBDGH
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorAtunera Maya Sa De Cv
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-A1F · Reciprocating · 260
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:51
Weather SourceWFAC