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NTSB Report
August 12, 1985 · Bell 47G-2 · N2899B
Big Bear City, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 12, 1985
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Big Bear City, CA
Aircraft
Bell 47G-2
Tail Number
N2899B
Operator
Golden State Helicopters
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX85LA344
ON AUGUST 12, 1985, A BELL 47G2 HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH A YUCCA TREE AND ROLLED OVER DURING A LANDING NEAR BIG BEAR CITY, CA. THE ACFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE AND THE PLT AND HIS TWO PASSENGERS WERE NOT INJURED. THE PURPOSE OF THE FLIGHT WAS A AERIAL OBSERVATION AT AN ELEVATION OF 7500 FEET, BUT THIS WAS NOT ACCOMPLISHED BECAUSE OF THE DENSITY ALTITUDE. THE PLT DESCENDED TO 4500 FEET TO DROP OFF ONE PASSENGER IN ORDER TO LIGHTEN THE LOAD. DURING HIS APPROACH TO LAND THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE TREE AND THE AIRCRAFT ROLLED OVER. THE PLT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.
Full Narrative
ON AUGUST 12, 1985, A BELL 47G2 HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH A YUCCA TREE AND ROLLED OVER DURING A LANDING NEAR BIG BEAR CITY, CA. THE ACFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE AND THE PLT AND HIS TWO PASSENGERS WERE NOT INJURED. THE PURPOSE OF THE FLIGHT WAS A AERIAL OBSERVATION AT AN ELEVATION OF 7500 FEET, BUT THIS WAS NOT ACCOMPLISHED BECAUSE OF THE DENSITY ALTITUDE. THE PLT DESCENDED TO 4500 FEET TO DROP OFF ONE PASSENGER IN ORDER TO LIGHTEN THE LOAD. DURING HIS APPROACH TO LAND THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE TREE AND THE AIRCRAFT ROLLED OVER. THE PLT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-2
Tail NumberN2899B
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGolden State Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-43 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time07:30
Weather SourcePILO