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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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August 1, 1985 · Bell TH-13T · N31FG

Quitman, GA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 1, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Quitman, GA
Aircraft
Bell TH-13T
Tail Number
N31FG
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA85LA224

PILOT STATED THAT AFTER COMPLETING A LEFT TURN AT THE END OF A COTTON FIELD, THE AIRCRAFT YAWED SHARPLY TO THE LEFT AND THE YAW COULD NOT BE CONTROLLED WITH CYCLIC CONTROL. ANOTHER LEFT TURN AT THE OPPSITE END OF THE FIELD THE AIRCRAFT AGAIN YAWED TO THE LEFT. CONTROL WAS REGAINED AND AS A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WAS BEING MADE IN THE COTTON FIELD THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO ROLL ONTO ITS SIDE. POST CRASH INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT'S FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM REVEALED NO EVIDENCE TO INDICATE PRECRASH MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION.

Full Narrative

PILOT STATED THAT AFTER COMPLETING A LEFT TURN AT THE END OF A COTTON FIELD, THE AIRCRAFT YAWED SHARPLY TO THE LEFT AND THE YAW COULD NOT BE CONTROLLED WITH CYCLIC CONTROL. ANOTHER LEFT TURN AT THE OPPSITE END OF THE FIELD THE AIRCRAFT AGAIN YAWED TO THE LEFT. CONTROL WAS REGAINED AND AS A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WAS BEING MADE IN THE COTTON FIELD THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO ROLL ONTO ITS SIDE. POST CRASH INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT'S FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM REVEALED NO EVIDENCE TO INDICATE PRECRASH MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:40 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell TH-13T
Tail NumberN31FG
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-435 · Reciprocating · 270
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 31 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 5 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2500 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:10
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data