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NTSB Report
March 21, 1987 · Bell 47G-3B-1 · N62462
Odessa, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 21, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Odessa, TX
Aircraft
Bell 47G-3B-1
Tail Number
N62462
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW87GA083
INVESTIGATION REVEALS THE HELICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN ON THE HEEL OF ITS SKIDS, LEFT SKID FIRST, AND AT A SLIGHTLY LOW ROTOR RPM. THE TAIL BOOM THEN MOVED UPWARD WHILE THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES FLEXED DOWNWARD. THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES CONTACTED AND SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM, ALLOWING THE TAIL ROTOR ASSEMBLY TO FALL TO THE GROUND. FRESH MARKS WERE NOTED ON THE MAIN ROTOR HUB ASSEMBLY WHERE IT HAD BANGED AGAINST THE MAIN ROTOR DROOP STOPS.
Full Narrative
INVESTIGATION REVEALS THE HELICOPTER TOUCHED DOWN ON THE HEEL OF ITS SKIDS, LEFT SKID FIRST, AND AT A SLIGHTLY LOW ROTOR RPM. THE TAIL BOOM THEN MOVED UPWARD WHILE THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES FLEXED DOWNWARD. THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES CONTACTED AND SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM, ALLOWING THE TAIL ROTOR ASSEMBLY TO FALL TO THE GROUND. FRESH MARKS WERE NOTED ON THE MAIN ROTOR HUB ASSEMBLY WHERE IT HAD BANGED AGAINST THE MAIN ROTOR DROOP STOPS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 CST
Nearest AirportOdessa/Schlemeyer (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-3B-1
Tail NumberN62462
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-435-25A · Reciprocating · 250
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 6 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:51
Weather SourceWFAC