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NTSB Report
May 3, 1987 · Bell 47G-3B1 · N43CD
Panama City Bch, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 3, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Panama City Bch, FL
Aircraft
Bell 47G-3B1
Tail Number
N43CD
Operator
Whirleybird Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA87LA155
THE PLT REPORTED THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE ENG BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, THEN FAILED. HE THEN AUTOROTATED & SET THE HELICOPTER DOWN APRX 6 FEET OFFSHORE. EXAMINATION OF THE ENG LOGBOOKS BY FAA PERSONNEL REVEALED THAT AD 62-23-02 WHICH REQUIRES INSP OF THE OIL FILTER EVERY 25 HOURS HAD BEEN OVERDUE BY 20.9 HOURS. INSP OF THE TRANSMISSION REVEALED THAT A 5 1/2 INCH PIECE FROM THE CLUTCH DRUM RING SEPARATED WHICH DISENGAGED THE MAIN ROTOR FROM THE ENG RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF MAIN ROTOR RPM. EXAMINATION OF THE FAILED CLUTCH DRUM RING REVEALED EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT IT FAILED DUE TO FATIGUE.
Full Narrative
THE PLT REPORTED THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE ENG BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, THEN FAILED. HE THEN AUTOROTATED & SET THE HELICOPTER DOWN APRX 6 FEET OFFSHORE. EXAMINATION OF THE ENG LOGBOOKS BY FAA PERSONNEL REVEALED THAT AD 62-23-02 WHICH REQUIRES INSP OF THE OIL FILTER EVERY 25 HOURS HAD BEEN OVERDUE BY 20.9 HOURS. INSP OF THE TRANSMISSION REVEALED THAT A 5 1/2 INCH PIECE FROM THE CLUTCH DRUM RING SEPARATED WHICH DISENGAGED THE MAIN ROTOR FROM THE ENG RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF MAIN ROTOR RPM. EXAMINATION OF THE FAILED CLUTCH DRUM RING REVEALED EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT IT FAILED DUE TO FATIGUE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:48 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-3B1
Tail NumberN43CD
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWhirleybird Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO435A1F · Reciprocating · 260
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 27 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:02
Weather SourceWFAC