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May 12, 2003 · Bell 47G-4 · N4205D

Robinson, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 12, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Robinson, TX
Aircraft
Bell 47G-4
Tail Number
N4205D
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW03CA146

While performing a quick stop maneuver in the helicopter, the tail rotor contacted the ground, and the helicopter started to move to the right. The pilot "possibly overcorrected to the left, and the helicopter rolled over on its left side." The pilot reported that both tail rotor blades were bent, the main rotor blades were damaged, and the left skid was separated. The pilot did not find any evidence of a tail rotor strike on the ground.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the ground while performing a quick stop maneuver which resulted in a dynamic rollover.

Full Narrative

On May 12, 2003, approximately 0730 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-4 single-engine helicopter, N4205D, sustained substantial damage during a dynamic rollover after the tail rotor impacted the terrain while maneuvering near Robinson, Texas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant and registered owner of the helicopter, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from the pilot's residence approximately 0715. According to the pilot, he departed his residence and flew to a designated local practice area to practice autorotations, slope landings, and quick stop maneuvers. While performing a quick stop maneuver, the tail rotor contacted the ground, and the helicopter started to move to the right. The pilot stated that he "possibly overcorrected to the left, and the helicopter rolled over on its left side." The pilot reported that both tail rotor blades were bent, the main rotor blades were damaged, and the left skid was separated. The pilot did not find any evidence of a tail rotor strike on the ground. The pilot had accumlated approximately 132 hours in rotorcraft and 87 hours in the accident helicopter make and model.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G-4
Tail NumberN4205D
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · VO-435 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data