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NTSB Report
August 17, 1985 · Bell 47G-2A · N3951U
Sedalia, MO
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 17, 1985
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Location
Sedalia, MO
Aircraft
Bell 47G-2A
Tail Number
N3951U
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC85FA189
THE PLT WAS TAKING 2 PASSENGERS ON A HELICOPTER RIDE AT A FAIR. IMMEDIATELY AFTER LIFT-OFF, HE ENCOUNTERED A SITUATION WHERE HE WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, SO HE REDUCED POWER & LANDED. BEFORE COMING TO REST, THE TAIL OF THE HELICOPTER STRUCK A VAN. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE INNER BEARING (PN 47-620-605-001) OF THE TAIL ROTOR DRIVE HAD FAILED, THEN THE DRIVE SHAFT FAILED. AD 81-04-03, AMENDMENT 39-4029 BECAME EFFECTIVE ON 2/2/81 TO REPLACE THE BEARING IN THE NEXT 600 HRS OF SERVICE. HOWEVER, THE HELICOPTER HAD ACCUMULATED LESS THAN 600 HRS SINCE THAT DATE.
Full Narrative
THE PLT WAS TAKING 2 PASSENGERS ON A HELICOPTER RIDE AT A FAIR. IMMEDIATELY AFTER LIFT-OFF, HE ENCOUNTERED A SITUATION WHERE HE WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, SO HE REDUCED POWER & LANDED. BEFORE COMING TO REST, THE TAIL OF THE HELICOPTER STRUCK A VAN. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE INNER BEARING (PN 47-620-605-001) OF THE TAIL ROTOR DRIVE HAD FAILED, THEN THE DRIVE SHAFT FAILED. AD 81-04-03, AMENDMENT 39-4029 BECAME EFFECTIVE ON 2/2/81 TO REPLACE THE BEARING IN THE NEXT 600 HRS OF SERVICE. HOWEVER, THE HELICOPTER HAD ACCUMULATED LESS THAN 600 HRS SINCE THAT DATE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:40 CDT
Nearest Airport10nm WSW
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-2A
Tail NumberN3951U
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · V0-435-A1B · Reciprocating · 200
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total3
Crew 1Age 30 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:51
Weather SourcePILO