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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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July 6, 1985 · Bell 47G-3B-1 · N7856S

Donaldson, MN

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 6, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Donaldson, MN
Aircraft
Bell 47G-3B-1
Tail Number
N7856S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI85LA275

WHEN THE PLT APPLIED PWR TO LEVEL OFF WHILE ENTERING A SPRAY THE ENG DID NOT PRODUCE SUFFICIENT PWR TO STOP THE DESCENT.HE ATTEMPTED A RUN ON LANDING BUT THE UNEVEN TERRAIN CAUSED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE HELICOPTER. INSPECTION OF THE ENG REVEALED THE ACTUATING ROD FOR THE ACTUATOR TO THE WASTEGATE OF THE TURBOCHARGER WAS FROZEN TO THE HOUSING OF THE UNIT.

Full Narrative

WHEN THE PLT APPLIED PWR TO LEVEL OFF WHILE ENTERING A SPRAY THE ENG DID NOT PRODUCE SUFFICIENT PWR TO STOP THE DESCENT.HE ATTEMPTED A RUN ON LANDING BUT THE UNEVEN TERRAIN CAUSED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE HELICOPTER. INSPECTION OF THE ENG REVEALED THE ACTUATING ROD FOR THE ACTUATOR TO THE WASTEGATE OF THE TURBOCHARGER WAS FROZEN TO THE HOUSING OF THE UNIT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G-3B-1
Tail NumberN7856S
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TV0-435-D1B · Reciprocating · 230
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 29 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 2 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data