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September 8, 1987 · Bell 47G-4A · N2238W

Minot, ND

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 8, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Minot, ND
Aircraft
Bell 47G-4A
Tail Number
N2238W
Operator
James H Morten
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN87DTG02

THE PLT RPRTD THAT WHEN HE TOOK OFF FM A NRBY NURSE TRUCK, THE WIND WAS FM THE NE AT 5 TO 7 MPH. HE MADE AN OBSERVATION PASS ACROSS THE AREA TO BE TREATED, THEN BGN A DSCNDG RGT TURN TO MAKE A SWATH RUN IN THE OPPOSITE DRCTN. HE STATED HE WAS UNAWARE OF A WIND-SHIFT TO THE NW. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE HELICOPTER ENCOUNTERED WHAT THE PLT THOUGHT WAS WAKE TURBC FM THE OBSERVATION PASS. THE ACFT BGN TO SETTLE & THE PLT INCREASED THE COLLECTIVE IN AN EFFORT TO STOP THE DSCNT. THE PLT SAID THE 'RECOVERY ENDED IN A DEEP CANYON APPROX 150 TO 200 FT DEEP. EMERGENCY TRIP DOOR SOLENOID TO RELEASE LOAD FAILEDTO WORK. WAS ONLY ABLE TO SUSTAIN HOVER FOR APPROX 2 MIN BEFORE A/C SETTLED ON A 30 TO 40 (DEGREE) EMBANKMENT & SLID DOWN 40 FT TO TREES, TAIL FIRST.' RPRTDLY THE DUMP VLV FAILED TO OPERATE DUE TO CORROSION FM CHEMICALS CARRIED ON THE PREVIOUS FLT.

Full Narrative

THE PLT RPRTD THAT WHEN HE TOOK OFF FM A NRBY NURSE TRUCK, THE WIND WAS FM THE NE AT 5 TO 7 MPH. HE MADE AN OBSERVATION PASS ACROSS THE AREA TO BE TREATED, THEN BGN A DSCNDG RGT TURN TO MAKE A SWATH RUN IN THE OPPOSITE DRCTN. HE STATED HE WAS UNAWARE OF A WIND-SHIFT TO THE NW. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE HELICOPTER ENCOUNTERED WHAT THE PLT THOUGHT WAS WAKE TURBC FM THE OBSERVATION PASS. THE ACFT BGN TO SETTLE & THE PLT INCREASED THE COLLECTIVE IN AN EFFORT TO STOP THE DSCNT. THE PLT SAID THE 'RECOVERY ENDED IN A DEEP CANYON APPROX 150 TO 200 FT DEEP. EMERGENCY TRIP DOOR SOLENOID TO RELEASE LOAD FAILEDTO WORK. WAS ONLY ABLE TO SUSTAIN HOVER FOR APPROX 2 MIN BEFORE A/C SETTLED ON A 30 TO 40 (DEGREE) EMBANKMENT & SLID DOWN 40 FT TO TREES, TAIL FIRST.' RPRTDLY THE DUMP VLV FAILED TO OPERATE DUE TO CORROSION FM CHEMICALS CARRIED ON THE PREVIOUS FLT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G-4A
Tail NumberN2238W
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames H Morten
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-540-B1B3 · Reciprocating · 280
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind6 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:00
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data