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NTSB Report
December 18, 1983 · Bell 47-G3B1 · N48316
Dummerston, VT
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 18, 1983
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Dummerston, VT
Aircraft
Bell 47-G3B1
Tail Number
N48316
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC84LA055
THE PLT INITIATED A PRACTICE AUTOROTATION FROM ABOUT 600 FT AGL. AIRSPEED WAS ABOUT 55 KTS WITH LOW M/R RPM DUE TO LOW GROSS WEIGHT. A MODERATE FLARE WAS INITIATED IN AN EFFORT TO INCREASE ROTOR RPM, REDUCING THE AIRSPEED TO 40 KTS. HOWEVER, THE APPLICATION OF COLLECTIVE FAILED TO ARREST THE DESCENT RATE & THE T/R STRUCK THE GROUND CAUSING THE HELICOPTER TO VIBRATE. WHEN THE T/R STRUCK, ABOUT 6 INCHES OF ONE TIP BROKE CAUSING MORE VIBRATION. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TOLAND THE HELICOPTER, BUT DRIVE TO THE T/R CEASED TO RESPOND, & THE HELICOPTER YAWED TO THE RIGHT. THE LEFT SKID STRUCK THE GROUND & COLLAPSED, & THE MAST ASSEMBLY WAS PROJECTED THROUGH THE CANOPY BUBBLE.
Full Narrative
THE PLT INITIATED A PRACTICE AUTOROTATION FROM ABOUT 600 FT AGL. AIRSPEED WAS ABOUT 55 KTS WITH LOW M/R RPM DUE TO LOW GROSS WEIGHT. A MODERATE FLARE WAS INITIATED IN AN EFFORT TO INCREASE ROTOR RPM, REDUCING THE AIRSPEED TO 40 KTS. HOWEVER, THE APPLICATION OF COLLECTIVE FAILED TO ARREST THE DESCENT RATE & THE T/R STRUCK THE GROUND CAUSING THE HELICOPTER TO VIBRATE. WHEN THE T/R STRUCK, ABOUT 6 INCHES OF ONE TIP BROKE CAUSING MORE VIBRATION. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TOLAND THE HELICOPTER, BUT DRIVE TO THE T/R CEASED TO RESPOND, & THE HELICOPTER YAWED TO THE RIGHT. THE LEFT SKID STRUCK THE GROUND & COLLAPSED, & THE MAST ASSEMBLY WAS PROJECTED THROUGH THE CANOPY BUBBLE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:25 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47-G3B1
Tail NumberN48316
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435-A1F · Reciprocating · 280
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point19 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO