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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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NTSB Report

October 1, 1983 · Bell 47G-3B1 · N1334X

Pliny, WV

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 1, 1983
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (1 fatality, 2 serious injuries)
Location
Pliny, WV
Aircraft
Bell 47G-3B1
Tail Number
N1334X
Operator
Beartooth Helicopters
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL84FA001

THE HELICOPTER WAS BEING USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ELECT TRANSMISSION LINES. A 150-FT LONGLINE CABLE HAD BEEN UTILIZEDON AN EARLIER FLIGHT FOR LIFTING EXTERNAL LOADS. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE LONGLINE TO BE ATTACHED ON THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT AS THE PAX WERE BEING TRANSPORTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THEIR CONSTRUCTION & INSPECTION DUTIES. THE HELICOPTER TOOK OFF WITH THE LONGLINE ATTACHED & NO EXTERNAL LOAD. AFTER TAKEOFF, THE HELICOPTER MOVED FORWARD ABOUT 200 FT TO A TREELINE & BEGAN A LEFT TURN, AWAY FROM TOWER 51 WHERE THE TAKEOFF WAS INITIATED, TOWARD A POINT WHERE ONE OF THE PAX WAS TO BE DISCHARGED. AS THE HELICOPTER FLEW OVER THE TREES THE LONGLINE BECAME ENTANGLED IN THE TREES.

Full Narrative

THE HELICOPTER WAS BEING USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ELECT TRANSMISSION LINES. A 150-FT LONGLINE CABLE HAD BEEN UTILIZEDON AN EARLIER FLIGHT FOR LIFTING EXTERNAL LOADS. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE LONGLINE TO BE ATTACHED ON THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT AS THE PAX WERE BEING TRANSPORTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THEIR CONSTRUCTION & INSPECTION DUTIES. THE HELICOPTER TOOK OFF WITH THE LONGLINE ATTACHED & NO EXTERNAL LOAD. AFTER TAKEOFF, THE HELICOPTER MOVED FORWARD ABOUT 200 FT TO A TREELINE & BEGAN A LEFT TURN, AWAY FROM TOWER 51 WHERE THE TAKEOFF WAS INITIATED, TOWARD A POINT WHERE ONE OF THE PAX WAS TO BE DISCHARGED. AS THE HELICOPTER FLEW OVER THE TREES THE LONGLINE BECAME ENTANGLED IN THE TREES.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G-3B1
Tail NumberN1334X
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorBeartooth Helicopters
Operating RulePart 133
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · 250-C20 · Turboshaft · 400
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (1 fatality, 2 serious injuries)
Fatal1
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 40 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 52
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:52
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data