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NTSB Report
April 17, 1989 · Bell 47D1 · N342L
Miami, FL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 17, 1989
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Miami, FL
Aircraft
Bell 47D1
Tail Number
N342L
Operator
Stevens Charlie C
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA89LA133
THE PRIVATE PLT WITH NO HELICOPTER RATING LANDED WITHIN THE CONFINES OF A FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL CENTER FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSISTING A CONVICTED DRUG SMUGGLER CONFINED TO A LIFE TERM TO ESCAPE. DURING LIFT-OFF, THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK A CONCERTINA WIRE-TOPPED FENCE & CRASHED. BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE ARRESTED & TRANSPORTED TO THE PRISON WARD OF A LOCAL HOSPITAL. NTSB FORM 6120.1, REPORT OF ACFT ACCIDENT WAS NOT RETURNED BY THE PLT TO THE NTSB'S MIAMI REGIONAL OFFICE.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE UNQUALIFIED PERSONS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE FENCE. PRESSURE INDUCED BY OTHERS, LACK OF EXPERIENCE, AND OVER CONFIDENCE IN PERSONAL ABILITY ARE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO THIS ACCIDENT.
Full Narrative
THE PRIVATE PLT WITH NO HELICOPTER RATING LANDED WITHIN THE CONFINES OF A FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL CENTER FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSISTING A CONVICTED DRUG SMUGGLER CONFINED TO A LIFE TERM TO ESCAPE. DURING LIFT-OFF, THE TAIL ROTOR STRUCK A CONCERTINA WIRE-TOPPED FENCE & CRASHED. BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE ARRESTED & TRANSPORTED TO THE PRISON WARD OF A LOCAL HOSPITAL. NTSB FORM 6120.1, REPORT OF ACFT ACCIDENT WAS NOT RETURNED BY THE PLT TO THE NTSB'S MIAMI REGIONAL OFFICE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47D1
Tail NumberN342L
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorStevens Charlie C
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6VS-335 · Reciprocating · 225
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 9 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:51
Weather SourceWFAC