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NTSB Report
November 3, 1988 · Bell 47G2 · N5163B
Phoenix, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 3, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Aircraft
Bell 47G2
Tail Number
N5163B
Operator
Pacific Aero Services
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX89FA034
THE HELICOPTER HAD JUST HAD MAJOR MAINTENANCE AND THE MECHANIC WAS CONDUCTING ENGINE RUN-UPS. THE HELICOPTER INADVERTENTLY BECAME AIRBORNE AND ASCENDED TO 100 FT. THE HELICOPTER MADE TWO TURNS IN A SIDEWARD SKID AND DESCENDED TO TERRAIN IMPACT. THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH ELECTRICAL CABLES DURING THE DESCENT. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A MECHANICAL FAILURE FOUND DURING THE INVESTIGATION.
NTSB Probable Cause
LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL BY A UNQUALIFIED PERSON.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER HAD JUST HAD MAJOR MAINTENANCE AND THE MECHANIC WAS CONDUCTING ENGINE RUN-UPS. THE HELICOPTER INADVERTENTLY BECAME AIRBORNE AND ASCENDED TO 100 FT. THE HELICOPTER MADE TWO TURNS IN A SIDEWARD SKID AND DESCENDED TO TERRAIN IMPACT. THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH ELECTRICAL CABLES DURING THE DESCENT. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A MECHANICAL FAILURE FOUND DURING THE INVESTIGATION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G2
Tail NumberN5163B
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorPacific Aero Services
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-A1 · Reciprocating · 285
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 4 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:50
Weather SourceWFAC