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NTSB Report
May 29, 1982 · Bell 47J-2A · N73268
Marathon, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 29, 1982
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Marathon, FL
Aircraft
Bell 47J-2A
Tail Number
N73268
Operator
Alex Butchkosky
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA82DA125
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT AN INTERMITTENT VIBRATION WAS FELT DURING THE MAGNETO CHECK BEFORE TAKEOFF. DURING A SECOND MAGNETO CHECK AT HIGH POWER, THE NOSE OF THE HELICOPTER CAME UP, A LOUD EXPLOSIVE NOISE WAS HEARD, AND A FIRE ERUPTED NEAR THE LEFT FUEL TANK. THE PILOT AND PASSENGER ABANDONED THE HELICOPTER UNINJURED, BUT IT WAS DESTROYED. THIS WAS THE FIRST FLIGHT AFTER MAINTENANCE HAD BEEN COMPLETED. HOWEVER, AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO PREIMPACT FAILURES. A WITNESS STATED THAT WHEN THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF, THE REAR END OF THE RIGHT SKID CAUGHT UNDER A BOARDWALK, THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OR BANKED, AND THE MAIN ROTOR STRUCK THE TAIL BOOM.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT AN INTERMITTENT VIBRATION WAS FELT DURING THE MAGNETO CHECK BEFORE TAKEOFF. DURING A SECOND MAGNETO CHECK AT HIGH POWER, THE NOSE OF THE HELICOPTER CAME UP, A LOUD EXPLOSIVE NOISE WAS HEARD, AND A FIRE ERUPTED NEAR THE LEFT FUEL TANK. THE PILOT AND PASSENGER ABANDONED THE HELICOPTER UNINJURED, BUT IT WAS DESTROYED. THIS WAS THE FIRST FLIGHT AFTER MAINTENANCE HAD BEEN COMPLETED. HOWEVER, AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO PREIMPACT FAILURES. A WITNESS STATED THAT WHEN THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF, THE REAR END OF THE RIGHT SKID CAUGHT UNDER A BOARDWALK, THE HELICOPTER ROLLED OR BANKED, AND THE MAIN ROTOR STRUCK THE TAIL BOOM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:45 EDT
Nearest AirportMARATHON (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47J-2A
Tail NumberN73268
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorAlex Butchkosky
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-540 · Reciprocating · 240
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point18 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:50