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June 30, 1983 · Bell 47G-3B-1 Soloy 47G-3B-1 S · N1334X
Townsend, MT
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 30, 1983
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Townsend, MT
Aircraft
Bell 47G-3B-1 Soloy 47G-3B-1 S
Tail Number
N1334X
Operator
Bear Tooth Helicopters
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN83LA154
THE HELICOPTER MADE A HARD TOUCHDOWN DURING AN AUTOROTATIVE FORCED LANDING AFTER THE ENGINE QUIT. DURING THE LANDING THEMAIN ROTOR SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM. THE PILOT STRETCHED THE AUTOROTATIONAL GLIDE TO REACH A HAY FIELD AND LOST MAIN ROTOR RPM IN THE PROCESS. THE ENGINE DIED OF FUEL STARVATION BECAUSE OF A LOW FUEL STATE AND BECAUSE THE PILOT WAS DESCENDING AT HIGH SPEED WITH NOSE LOW. IN THIS ACFT ACCORDING TO A TEST PILOT WHO SPECIALIZES IN THIS MODEL CAUTION MUST BE USED TO AVOID UNUSUAL PITCH ATTITUDES WITH A LOW FUEL STATE. THE PILOT SAID HE HAD A 30 DEGREE NOSE LOW ATTITUDE. THE FUEL TANKS ARE SLANTED 10 DEGREES AFT TO COMPENSATE FOR A 7 DEGREE NOSE LOW ATTITUDE IN NORMAL HIGH SPEED (80 MPH) CRUISE. THE PILOT SAID THE GAUGES SHOWED ABOUT 10 GALLONS JUST BEFORE THE ENGINE QUIT. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE FELT STARVATION OCCURRED.
Full Narrative
THE HELICOPTER MADE A HARD TOUCHDOWN DURING AN AUTOROTATIVE FORCED LANDING AFTER THE ENGINE QUIT. DURING THE LANDING THEMAIN ROTOR SEVERED THE TAIL BOOM. THE PILOT STRETCHED THE AUTOROTATIONAL GLIDE TO REACH A HAY FIELD AND LOST MAIN ROTOR RPM IN THE PROCESS. THE ENGINE DIED OF FUEL STARVATION BECAUSE OF A LOW FUEL STATE AND BECAUSE THE PILOT WAS DESCENDING AT HIGH SPEED WITH NOSE LOW. IN THIS ACFT ACCORDING TO A TEST PILOT WHO SPECIALIZES IN THIS MODEL CAUTION MUST BE USED TO AVOID UNUSUAL PITCH ATTITUDES WITH A LOW FUEL STATE. THE PILOT SAID HE HAD A 30 DEGREE NOSE LOW ATTITUDE. THE FUEL TANKS ARE SLANTED 10 DEGREES AFT TO COMPENSATE FOR A 7 DEGREE NOSE LOW ATTITUDE IN NORMAL HIGH SPEED (80 MPH) CRUISE. THE PILOT SAID THE GAUGES SHOWED ABOUT 10 GALLONS JUST BEFORE THE ENGINE QUIT. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE FELT STARVATION OCCURRED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:40 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-3B-1 Soloy 47G-3B-1 S
Tail NumberN1334X
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBear Tooth Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20 · Turboshaft · 400
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT