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NTSB Report
August 8, 1986 · Bell 47G-4A · N1185W
Shafter, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 8, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Shafter, CA
Aircraft
Bell 47G-4A
Tail Number
N1185W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX86DVA13
SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTING THE LOADING RIG, EN ROUTE TO AN AGRICULTURAL AERIAL APPLICATION OPERATION, THE FORWARD COUPLING TAIL ROTOR DRIVE SHAFT FAILED. THE HELICOPTER WAS ABOUT 10 FT ABOVE GROUND LEVEL AND ABOUT 100 FT WEST OF THE LOADING RIG. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED AN IMMEDIATE AUTOROTATION BUT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND AND ROLLED OVER. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE DISCLOSED THE COUPLING SUSTAINED EXTREME HIGH TEMP DISTRESS DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICATION. THE HELICOPTER HAD FLOWN 178 HOURS SINCE THE LAST ANNUAL/100-HOUR INSPECTION. A 100-HOUR INSPECTION IS REQUIRED FOR THE OPERATION.
Full Narrative
SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTING THE LOADING RIG, EN ROUTE TO AN AGRICULTURAL AERIAL APPLICATION OPERATION, THE FORWARD COUPLING TAIL ROTOR DRIVE SHAFT FAILED. THE HELICOPTER WAS ABOUT 10 FT ABOVE GROUND LEVEL AND ABOUT 100 FT WEST OF THE LOADING RIG. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED AN IMMEDIATE AUTOROTATION BUT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND AND ROLLED OVER. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE DISCLOSED THE COUPLING SUSTAINED EXTREME HIGH TEMP DISTRESS DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICATION. THE HELICOPTER HAD FLOWN 178 HOURS SINCE THE LAST ANNUAL/100-HOUR INSPECTION. A 100-HOUR INSPECTION IS REQUIRED FOR THE OPERATION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:15 PDT
Nearest AirportShafter-Minter Field (4nm WSW)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-4A
Tail NumberN1185W
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-540 · Reciprocating · 305
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter31.00 inHg
Observation Time14:50
Weather SourceWFAC