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NTSB Report
July 23, 1987 · Bell 47G-2 · N972B
Huntsville, AL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 23, 1987
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Huntsville, AL
Aircraft
Bell 47G-2
Tail Number
N972B
Operator
John L Lanier
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL87LA222
THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED THE WATER DURING A LOW-ALTITUDE TURN OVER A RIVER. THE PLT MADE A LOW PASS TO THE SOUTH OVER AN ISLAND AT ABOUT 30 FT AGL, TO SHOW THE ISLAND TO THE POLICEWOMAN/TRAFFIC OBSERVER ONBOARD. AS HE WAS MAKING A CLIMBING RIGHT TURN AT ABOUT 40 KTS IAS TO PASS BACK OVER THE ISLAND, THE ACFT ROLLED EXCESSIVELY IN THE DIRECTION OF TURN AND THE NOSE BEGAN TO 'TUCK'. HE ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE SITUATION BY APPLYING OPPOSITE CYCLIC ONLY. HE DID NOT INCREASE THE PWR OR ADD COLLECTIVE PITCH. HE DID NOT REMEMBER IF HE USED ANY LEFT PEDAL TO ASSIST IN COUNTERACTING THE EXCESSIVE TURNING. THE ACFT IMPACTED THE WATER IN A SLIGHT, RIGHT BANK ATTITUDE, WITH THE NOSE LOW. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE AND MAIN ROTOR RPM'S REMAINED 'IN THE GREEN' DURING THE MANEUVER.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER IMPACTED THE WATER DURING A LOW-ALTITUDE TURN OVER A RIVER. THE PLT MADE A LOW PASS TO THE SOUTH OVER AN ISLAND AT ABOUT 30 FT AGL, TO SHOW THE ISLAND TO THE POLICEWOMAN/TRAFFIC OBSERVER ONBOARD. AS HE WAS MAKING A CLIMBING RIGHT TURN AT ABOUT 40 KTS IAS TO PASS BACK OVER THE ISLAND, THE ACFT ROLLED EXCESSIVELY IN THE DIRECTION OF TURN AND THE NOSE BEGAN TO 'TUCK'. HE ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE SITUATION BY APPLYING OPPOSITE CYCLIC ONLY. HE DID NOT INCREASE THE PWR OR ADD COLLECTIVE PITCH. HE DID NOT REMEMBER IF HE USED ANY LEFT PEDAL TO ASSIST IN COUNTERACTING THE EXCESSIVE TURNING. THE ACFT IMPACTED THE WATER IN A SLIGHT, RIGHT BANK ATTITUDE, WITH THE NOSE LOW. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE AND MAIN ROTOR RPM'S REMAINED 'IN THE GREEN' DURING THE MANEUVER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:35 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-2
Tail NumberN972B
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn L Lanier
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 38 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 7 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingOvercast 25000 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:47