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NTSB Report
September 11, 1982 · Bell 47G-2 · N4242A
San Diego, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 11, 1982
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
San Diego, CA
Aircraft
Bell 47G-2
Tail Number
N4242A
Operator
Kappmeir Alan L
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX82FA341
THE PLT WAS IN THE LOCAL PATTERN PRACTICING MANEUVERS. AFTER COMPLETING A QUICK STOP MANEUVER & HOVERING, ANOTHER TAKEOFF WAS INITIATED. THE PLT STATED THAT IT SEEMED TO TAKE AN UNUSUAL AMOUNT OF FORWARD CYCLIC TO INITIATE FORWARD FLT. DURING THE FINAL APPROACH FULL FORWARD CYCLIC WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN FORWARD FLT. THE ACFT STOPPED SHORT OF THE LANDING SPOT & STARTED BACKING UP. THE ACFT STRUCK THE GROUND AS THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO RECOVER. THE BROKEN SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FORE & AFT CYCLIC CONTROL, P/N 47-724-132-1, WAS EXAMINED & FOUND TO BE A VERY POOR QUALITY CASTING. COLD SHUTS & SHRINKAGE CAVITIES WERE OBSERVED ON OVER APPROXIMATELY 70% OF THE FRACTURE SURFACE. IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT THE FORE & AFT CYCLIC CONTROL FAILED BY A SLOW FRACTURE PROCESS INITIATED BY THE PRESENCE OF LARGE CASTING DEFECTS.
Full Narrative
THE PLT WAS IN THE LOCAL PATTERN PRACTICING MANEUVERS. AFTER COMPLETING A QUICK STOP MANEUVER & HOVERING, ANOTHER TAKEOFF WAS INITIATED. THE PLT STATED THAT IT SEEMED TO TAKE AN UNUSUAL AMOUNT OF FORWARD CYCLIC TO INITIATE FORWARD FLT. DURING THE FINAL APPROACH FULL FORWARD CYCLIC WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN FORWARD FLT. THE ACFT STOPPED SHORT OF THE LANDING SPOT & STARTED BACKING UP. THE ACFT STRUCK THE GROUND AS THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO RECOVER. THE BROKEN SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FORE & AFT CYCLIC CONTROL, P/N 47-724-132-1, WAS EXAMINED & FOUND TO BE A VERY POOR QUALITY CASTING. COLD SHUTS & SHRINKAGE CAVITIES WERE OBSERVED ON OVER APPROXIMATELY 70% OF THE FRACTURE SURFACE. IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT THE FORE & AFT CYCLIC CONTROL FAILED BY A SLOW FRACTURE PROCESS INITIATED BY THE PRESENCE OF LARGE CASTING DEFECTS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:20 PDT
Nearest AirportMontgomery Field (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftBell 47G-2
Tail NumberN4242A
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorKappmeir Alan L
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-435-23C · Reciprocating · 250
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 21 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point16 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg