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NTSB Report
February 21, 1984 · Bell 47G4A · N7956J
Refugio, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 21, 1984
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Refugio, TX
Aircraft
Bell 47G4A
Tail Number
N7956J
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW84LA144
THE HELICOPTER WAS BEING USED TO HERD CATTLE IN A HEAVILY WOODED/BRUSHY AREA. THE PLT REPORTED HE WAS IN A HOVER MANEUVER AT 50-60 FT AGL WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD SOUND FROM THE REAR OF THE HELICOPTER. IT IMMEDIATELY PITCHED NOSE DOWN & STARTED TO ROTATE TO THE RIGHT. AFTER ABOUT 2 ROTATIONS THE HELICOPTER HIT THE GROUND. PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED BY THE PLT SHOW THAT THE TAILBOOM & BOTH L & R STABILIZERS HAD SEPARATED. THEY ALSO SHOW AN IMPACT ON THE T/R DRIVE SHAFT & PITCH CHANGE LINKAGE.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER WAS BEING USED TO HERD CATTLE IN A HEAVILY WOODED/BRUSHY AREA. THE PLT REPORTED HE WAS IN A HOVER MANEUVER AT 50-60 FT AGL WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD SOUND FROM THE REAR OF THE HELICOPTER. IT IMMEDIATELY PITCHED NOSE DOWN & STARTED TO ROTATE TO THE RIGHT. AFTER ABOUT 2 ROTATIONS THE HELICOPTER HIT THE GROUND. PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED BY THE PLT SHOW THAT THE TAILBOOM & BOTH L & R STABILIZERS HAD SEPARATED. THEY ALSO SHOW AN IMPACT ON THE T/R DRIVE SHAFT & PITCH CHANGE LINKAGE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G4A
Tail NumberN7956J
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-540 B1B3 · Reciprocating · 280
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO