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NTSB Report
December 13, 1983 · Bell 47H-1 · N42403
Paradise, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 13, 1983
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Paradise, CA
Aircraft
Bell 47H-1
Tail Number
N42403
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX84LA104
ACCORDING TO WITNESSES, THE HELICOPTER LIFTED OFF NEAR THE NORTH END OF RWY 17 WHILE ON AN EASTENLY HEADING. AFTER LIFT-OFF, IT TURNED RIGHT, AS IF TO PROCEED DOWN THE RWY. AFTER RISING TO ABOUT 5 FT AGL, IT SETTLED & CONTACTED THE RWY, ROSE AGAIN, THEN TILTED TO THE RIGHT. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT STRUCK 2 PARKED ACFT, THEN CRASHED & BURNED. THE PLT WAS THROWN FROM THE ACFT, BUT THE FIRE SPREAD IN HIS DIRECTION & HE WAS BURNED. AN INSPECTION OF THE WRECKAGE WAS MADE, BUT NO PREIMPACT FAILURES WERE FOUND. THE PLT WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED, AND REPORTEDLY, HE COULD NOT REMEMBER THE FLT.
Full Narrative
ACCORDING TO WITNESSES, THE HELICOPTER LIFTED OFF NEAR THE NORTH END OF RWY 17 WHILE ON AN EASTENLY HEADING. AFTER LIFT-OFF, IT TURNED RIGHT, AS IF TO PROCEED DOWN THE RWY. AFTER RISING TO ABOUT 5 FT AGL, IT SETTLED & CONTACTED THE RWY, ROSE AGAIN, THEN TILTED TO THE RIGHT. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT STRUCK 2 PARKED ACFT, THEN CRASHED & BURNED. THE PLT WAS THROWN FROM THE ACFT, BUT THE FIRE SPREAD IN HIS DIRECTION & HE WAS BURNED. AN INSPECTION OF THE WRECKAGE WAS MADE, BUT NO PREIMPACT FAILURES WERE FOUND. THE PLT WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED, AND REPORTEDLY, HE COULD NOT REMEMBER THE FLT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 PST
Nearest AirportPARADISE (0nm N)
Runway17
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width21 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47H-1
Tail NumberN42403
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6V4-200-C32 · Reciprocating · 210
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 30 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility3 sm
CeilingOvercast 2000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0