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January 2, 2003 · Bell 47G · N4759R

Idaho Falls, ID

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 2, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Idaho Falls, ID
Aircraft
Bell 47G
Tail Number
N4759R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA03LA023

The pilot reported that while in a cruise flight configuration, at 5,100 feet MSL and 80 MPH, the helicopter experienced a loss of engine power and the pilot initiated a forced landing to a nearby alfalfa field. During the landing, the main rotor blades made contact with the tail boom assembly, severing the top two tubes just aft of the last hangar bearing. Visual inspection of the helicopter's engine and associated components revealed no evidence of atypical wear or component failure. Following the visual inspection, the operator conducted an engine run. The engine was started and ran at various power settings for approximately 10 minutes. No power surges or anomalies were noted during test run.

NTSB Probable Cause

In-flight loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On January 02, 2003, about 0900 mountain standard time, a turbine converted Bell 47G helicopter, N4759R, sustained substantial damage after a loss of engine power, autorotation, and hard landing eight miles southeast of Idaho Falls, Idaho. The helicopter is owned and operated by Heli-Wood of Tremonton, Utah, and was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) positioning flight in accordance with Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant of the helicopter, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The flight originated from an off-airport site approximately five miles east of Idaho Falls, approximately six minutes prior to the accident. The pilot reported that while in a cruise flight configuration, at 5,100 feet MSL and 80 MPH, the helicopter experienced a loss of engine power and the pilot initiated a forced landing to a nearby alfalfa field. During the landing, the main rotor blades made contact with the tail boom assembly, severing the top two tubes just aft of the last hangar bearing. Visual inspection of the helicopter's engine and associated components revealed no evidence of atypical wear or component failure. Inspection of the fuel system revealed that: the fuel inlet lines and vent lines were intact and no restrictions or leakage was noted. The fuel pump filter, airframe fuel filter, fuel control inlet screen and fuel nozzle inlet screen were intact and free of contaminants. Soot and carbon deposits were noted on the fuel nozzle tip. The Pc lines and associated components were intact and no cracks or evidence of leakage was noted. Following the visual inspection, the operator conducted an engine run. The engine was started and ran at various power settings for approximately 10 minutes. No power surges or anomalies were noted during test run. The operator and a representative from the Salt Lake City Flight Standards District Office conducted the post accident inspection and subsequent test run.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G
Tail NumberN4759R
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsAllison · C20 B · Turboshaft · 280
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 4 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point21 C / 21 C
Altimeter30.38 inHg
Observation Time14:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data