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NTSB Report
July 8, 1987 · Bell 47D1 · N908B
Huntsville, AL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 8, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Huntsville, AL
Aircraft
Bell 47D1
Tail Number
N908B
Operator
John L Lanier
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL87LA204
THE AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT WAS DISPENSING INSECTICIDES ON A COTTON FIELD. WHILE MANEUVERING TO AVOID POWERLINES DURING THE PROCEDURE TURNAROUND FOLLOWING AN UPWIND SWATH RUN, THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE TRANSLATIONAL LIFT AND THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO SETTLE. THE PILOT FAILED TO APPLY ADDITIONAL POWER IN TIME TO PREVENT THE HELICOPTER FROM SETTLING INTO THE TERRAIN WHERE IT NOSED OVER WHEN THE ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND.
Full Narrative
THE AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT WAS DISPENSING INSECTICIDES ON A COTTON FIELD. WHILE MANEUVERING TO AVOID POWERLINES DURING THE PROCEDURE TURNAROUND FOLLOWING AN UPWIND SWATH RUN, THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE TRANSLATIONAL LIFT AND THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO SETTLE. THE PILOT FAILED TO APPLY ADDITIONAL POWER IN TIME TO PREVENT THE HELICOPTER FROM SETTLING INTO THE TERRAIN WHERE IT NOSED OVER WHEN THE ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47D1
Tail NumberN908B
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn L Lanier
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435 · Reciprocating · 265
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 38 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 5 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO