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NTSB Report
August 22, 1985 · Bell 47D1 · N4253A
Panama City Bch, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 22, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Panama City Bch, FL
Aircraft
Bell 47D1
Tail Number
N4253A
Operator
Ellow Whirleybird
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA85LA237
THE HELICOPTER CONTACTED A FENCE AND SLID NOSE DOWN INTO A RAVINE DURING A FORCED LANDING. THE PLT REPORTED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF AT AN ALT OF 35 TO 40 FT AGL, A LOAD BANG WAS HEARD AND GRAY/WHITE SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM THE TRANSMISSION/ENG AREA. THE THROTTLE WAS ROLLED OFF AND COLLECTIVE LOWERED FOR THE FORCED LANDING. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE ENG REVEALED 11 SPARK PLUGS WERE MISFIRING AND THE RIGHT MAGNETO 'P' LEAD HAD SHORTED OUT ON THE ENG CASE.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER CONTACTED A FENCE AND SLID NOSE DOWN INTO A RAVINE DURING A FORCED LANDING. THE PLT REPORTED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF AT AN ALT OF 35 TO 40 FT AGL, A LOAD BANG WAS HEARD AND GRAY/WHITE SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM THE TRANSMISSION/ENG AREA. THE THROTTLE WAS ROLLED OFF AND COLLECTIVE LOWERED FOR THE FORCED LANDING. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE ENG REVEALED 11 SPARK PLUGS WERE MISFIRING AND THE RIGHT MAGNETO 'P' LEAD HAD SHORTED OUT ON THE ENG CASE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47D1
Tail NumberN4253A
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorEllow Whirleybird
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6VS-335A · Reciprocating · 225
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility2 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1500 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:30
Weather SourceWFAC