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NTSB Report

September 2, 2003 · Bell 47D1 · N64580

Chino, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 2, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Chino, CA
Aircraft
Bell 47D1
Tail Number
N64580
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX03CA274

The helicopter's main rotor struck the tail boom while the pilot was practicing a run-on landing. While the student pilot was attempting to execute a landing, he touched down on the heels of the skids. The helicopter rocked forward and the pilot pulled back on the cyclic. As a result, the main rotor blades made contact with the tail boom. No mechanical problems were noted with the helicopter. The student pilot had accumulated about 58 hours in helicopters, with 7 as pilot-in-command. The operator reported that students were not permitted to practice run-on landings during solo flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

the student pilot's inappropriate remedial action through the application of excessive aft cyclic during a run-on landing. A factor in the accident was the student's disregard for company procedures.

Full Narrative

On September 1, 2003, about 1720 Pacific daylight time, a Bell 47D-1, N64580, main rotor struck the tail boom while the pilot was attempting a run-on landing at Chino Airport, Chino, California. Zemlock Helicopters was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The student helicopter pilot, who possessed an airplane private pilot certificate, was not injured. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported in a written statement that he was practicing run-on landings. During the second landing, the right skid dug into the dirt and the main rotor made contact with the tail boom. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems prior to the accident. The pilot had an estimated 2,024 hours of total flight time; approximately 58 of those hours were in helicopters, with 7 logged as pilot-in-command. The Safety Board investigator-in-charge interviewed the helicopter operator. The operator stated that the pilot was practicing run-on landings. During the accident landing, he touched down on the heels of the skids. The helicopter rocked forward and the pilot pulled back on the cyclic. The main rotor blades made contact with the tail boom. The operator also noted that the student was not allowed to practice run-on landings without an instructor on board.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:20 PDT
Nearest AirportChino Airport (0nm)
Runway03
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47D1
Tail NumberN64580
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A&6V335 SER · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 15 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.80 inHg
Observation Time07:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data