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NTSB Report
May 12, 1989 · Bell 47 · N908B
Shelbyville, TN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 12, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Shelbyville, TN
Aircraft
Bell 47
Tail Number
N908B
Operator
L Lanier
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL89DLT03
INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE HELICOPTER WAS ENGAGED IN AERIAL APPLICATION. DURING A PROCEDURE TURN AROUND THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSIVE NOISE & ENGINE RPM EXCEEDED ROTOR RPM. THE PILOT REDUCED THE THROTTLE & TRIED TO ENTER AN AUTOROTATION. ROTOR RPM HAD DECAYED & A HARD LANDING RESULTED. MOST PROBABLE CAUSE FOR THE LOSS OF ROTOR RPM WAS A DISCONNECT BETWEEN THE ENGINE & THE MAIN ROTOR FOR UNKNOWN REASONS.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE IN THE ROTOR DRIVE SYSTEM FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S INABILITY TO PERFORM AN AUTOROTATION.
Full Narrative
INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE HELICOPTER WAS ENGAGED IN AERIAL APPLICATION. DURING A PROCEDURE TURN AROUND THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSIVE NOISE & ENGINE RPM EXCEEDED ROTOR RPM. THE PILOT REDUCED THE THROTTLE & TRIED TO ENTER AN AUTOROTATION. ROTOR RPM HAD DECAYED & A HARD LANDING RESULTED. MOST PROBABLE CAUSE FOR THE LOSS OF ROTOR RPM WAS A DISCONNECT BETWEEN THE ENGINE & THE MAIN ROTOR FOR UNKNOWN REASONS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47
Tail NumberN908B
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorL Lanier
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-A1B · Reciprocating
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO