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NTSB Report
November 10, 1989 · Bell-Kitz Kopters 47D1 · N6324X
Chino, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 10, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Chino, CA
Aircraft
Bell-Kitz Kopters 47D1
Tail Number
N6324X
Operator
Petkow Raymond
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX90LA029
THE STUDENT PILOT WAS PRACTICING TOUCH AND GO TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS. WHILE ON THE DOWNWIND LEG THE STUDENT PILOT RPTD THAT THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND THEN VIOLENTLY PITCHED UP. THE STUDENT PILOT IMMEDIATELY EXECUTED AN AUTOROTATION INTO A COW PASTURE. THE WRECKAGE EXAM DSCLSD THE MAIN ROTOR STABILIZER BAR SEPARATED IN FLT AND IT WAS NOT FOUND. THE ATTACH SECTION OF THE BAR REMAINED CONNECTED AT ITS ATTACH POINTS. METALLURGICAL EXAM DSCLSD THE INNER BAR AND THE TIE ROD FRACTURED IN FATIGUE WHICH HAD PROPAGATED VERY SLOWLY, AND CRACKS WOULD HAVE BEEN EVIDENT. BELL HELICOPTER HAD ISSUED SERVICE BULLETIN 47-(04-2)73-1 REQUIRING DAILY INSPECTION OF THE BAR FOR CRACKS. THE TIE ROD NUT WAS A BOGUS PART AND EXCESSIVELY WORN.
NTSB Probable Cause
A FATIGUE FAILURE OF BOTH THE MAIN ROTOR STABILIZER BAR TUBE AND THE TIE ROD. IN ADDITION, THE TIE ROD NUT WAS LOOSE AND DID NOT CONFORM TO ENGINEERING DRAWING SPECIFICATIONS. COMPANY PERSONNEL FAILED TO DETECT THE FATIGUE CRACKS DURING DAILY INSPECTIONS.
Full Narrative
THE STUDENT PILOT WAS PRACTICING TOUCH AND GO TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS. WHILE ON THE DOWNWIND LEG THE STUDENT PILOT RPTD THAT THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND THEN VIOLENTLY PITCHED UP. THE STUDENT PILOT IMMEDIATELY EXECUTED AN AUTOROTATION INTO A COW PASTURE. THE WRECKAGE EXAM DSCLSD THE MAIN ROTOR STABILIZER BAR SEPARATED IN FLT AND IT WAS NOT FOUND. THE ATTACH SECTION OF THE BAR REMAINED CONNECTED AT ITS ATTACH POINTS. METALLURGICAL EXAM DSCLSD THE INNER BAR AND THE TIE ROD FRACTURED IN FATIGUE WHICH HAD PROPAGATED VERY SLOWLY, AND CRACKS WOULD HAVE BEEN EVIDENT. BELL HELICOPTER HAD ISSUED SERVICE BULLETIN 47-(04-2)73-1 REQUIRING DAILY INSPECTION OF THE BAR FOR CRACKS. THE TIE ROD NUT WAS A BOGUS PART AND EXCESSIVELY WORN.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:39 PST
Nearest AirportCHINO (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell-Kitz Kopters 47D1
Tail NumberN6324X
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPetkow Raymond
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6V4 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourceWFAC