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NTSB Report
April 21, 1987 · Bell UH-1B · N46884
Clarksville, TN
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 21, 1987
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Clarksville, TN
Aircraft
Bell UH-1B
Tail Number
N46884
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL87LA119
THE PILOT LOST TAIL ROTOR CONTROL IN CRUISE FLIGHT AFTER THE TAIL ROTOR DRIVE SHAFT SEPARATED. THE TAIL ROTOR SYSTEM HAD SUSTAINED PREVIOUS DAMAGE ABOUT 4 YEARS PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT WHEN, WHILE BEING OPERATED AS A PUBLIC USE AIRCRAFT, THE HELICOPTER SKIDDED OFF A PORTABLE LANDING PAD. THE AIRCRAFT RECORDS SHOWED NO MAINTENANCE OR INSPECTIONS SINCE THAT PREVIOUS DAMAGE TO THE TAIL ROTOR SYSTEM. THE PUBLIC USE AGENCY HAD ELECTED NOT TO REPAIR THE TAIL ROTOR SYSTEM AND SUBSEQUENTLY SOLD THE HELICOPTER TO AN AIRCRAFT DEALER.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT LOST TAIL ROTOR CONTROL IN CRUISE FLIGHT AFTER THE TAIL ROTOR DRIVE SHAFT SEPARATED. THE TAIL ROTOR SYSTEM HAD SUSTAINED PREVIOUS DAMAGE ABOUT 4 YEARS PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT WHEN, WHILE BEING OPERATED AS A PUBLIC USE AIRCRAFT, THE HELICOPTER SKIDDED OFF A PORTABLE LANDING PAD. THE AIRCRAFT RECORDS SHOWED NO MAINTENANCE OR INSPECTIONS SINCE THAT PREVIOUS DAMAGE TO THE TAIL ROTOR SYSTEM. THE PUBLIC USE AGENCY HAD ELECTED NOT TO REPAIR THE TAIL ROTOR SYSTEM AND SUBSEQUENTLY SOLD THE HELICOPTER TO AN AIRCRAFT DEALER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell UH-1B
Tail NumberN46884
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsLycoming · T-53 · Turboshaft · 6600
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 27 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 3 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO