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NTSB Report
November 4, 1989 · Bell 47G-3B1 · N57919
Westfield, MA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 4, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Westfield, MA
Aircraft
Bell 47G-3B1
Tail Number
N57919
Operator
Belchertown Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC90LA025
THE PILOT SAID HE WAS MAKING CLEARING TURNS WHEN HE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CYCLIC CONTROL. THE HELICOPTER WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. THERE WAS EVIDENCE THE TAIL ROTOR BLADES HAD SEPARATED AFTER CONTACTING THE GROUND. NO DISCREPANCIES WERE FOUND WITH THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM OR FLIGHT CONTROLS.
NTSB Probable Cause
LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON, WHICH RESULTED IN THE TAIL ROTOR STRIKING THE GROUND AND SEPARATING FROM THE HELICOPTER.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT SAID HE WAS MAKING CLEARING TURNS WHEN HE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CYCLIC CONTROL. THE HELICOPTER WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. THERE WAS EVIDENCE THE TAIL ROTOR BLADES HAD SEPARATED AFTER CONTACTING THE GROUND. NO DISCREPANCIES WERE FOUND WITH THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM OR FLIGHT CONTROLS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EST
Nearest AirportBarnes Muni (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-3B1
Tail NumberN57919
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBelchertown Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TVO-435 · Reciprocating · 270
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 6 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 25 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO