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NTSB Report
May 2, 1986 · Bell 47G-2 · N4239J
Palmdale, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 2, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Palmdale, CA
Aircraft
Bell 47G-2
Tail Number
N4239J
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX86LA203
THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD IN THE DESERT WHILE ON A VFR PERSONAL FLT. THE PLT INDICATED THAT HE JUST DEPARTED A MOUNTIAN AREA FOR REFUELING. HE ALSO INDICATED HE WAS DISORIENTED AND THE COMPASS WAS INOPERABLE. HE DECIDED TO LAND AND CHECK THE FUEL QUANTITY. HE STATED HE MISJUDGED THE LANDING, THE TAIL HIT THE DESERT FLOOR AND THE MAIN ROTOR STRUCK AND SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM. APRX 1 QUART OF FUEL WAS DRAINED FROM THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURERS OPERATORS MANUAL FOR THE BELL 47G, THE FUEL CAPACITY IS 43 GALLONS TOTAL WITH 41 GALLONS USABLE.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER LANDED HARD IN THE DESERT WHILE ON A VFR PERSONAL FLT. THE PLT INDICATED THAT HE JUST DEPARTED A MOUNTIAN AREA FOR REFUELING. HE ALSO INDICATED HE WAS DISORIENTED AND THE COMPASS WAS INOPERABLE. HE DECIDED TO LAND AND CHECK THE FUEL QUANTITY. HE STATED HE MISJUDGED THE LANDING, THE TAIL HIT THE DESERT FLOOR AND THE MAIN ROTOR STRUCK AND SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM. APRX 1 QUART OF FUEL WAS DRAINED FROM THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURERS OPERATORS MANUAL FOR THE BELL 47G, THE FUEL CAPACITY IS 43 GALLONS TOTAL WITH 41 GALLONS USABLE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:10 PDT
Nearest AirportPALMDALE (8nm S)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-2
Tail NumberN4239J
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6VS-335-A · Reciprocating · 225
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 11 kt
Visibility35 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:46
Weather SourceWFAC