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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 24, 2008 · Bell 47G-3B-2 · N4029G

Lafetyette, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 24, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lafetyette, IN
Aircraft
Bell 47G-3B-2
Tail Number
N4029G
Operator
Townsend Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI08CA210

The helicopter began losing engine power during an aerial application run while maneuvering. The pilot attempted a landing in the field and the helicopter impacted terrain about 80 yards from an access road at the north edge of the field. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The pilot was uninjured. Examination of the helicopter revealed that the carburetor heat control spring that keeps the carburetor closed was broken and its support rod had worn into the housing. The heat valve could only be opened about 1/3 and while corresponding cockpit control remained in the closed position. The fracture surface of the spring was consistent with fatigue. The spring had accumulated a total time in service of 832 hours. The pilot was a certificated aircraft mechanic who also performed maintenance on the helicopter. A National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report was not received from the pilot.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power during an aerial application flight due to a fatigue fracture of the carburetor heat control valve spring and the inadequate maintenance inspection by the pilot/mechanic. An additional cause was the low altitude of the operation.

Full Narrative

The helicopter began losing engine power during an aerial application while maneuvering. The pilot attempted a landing in the field where the helicopter impacted terrain about 80 yards from an access road at the north edge of the field. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The pilot was uninjured. Examination of the helicopter revealed that the carburetor heat control spring that keeps the carburetor closed was broken and its support rod had worn into the housing. The heat valve could only be opened about 1/3 and while corresponding cockpit control remained in the closed position. The fracture surface of the spring was consistent with fatigue. The spring accumulated a total time in service of 832 hours. The pilot was a certificated aircraft mechanic who also performed maintenance on the helicopter. A National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report was not received from the pilot.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 47G-3B-2
Tail NumberN4029G
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTownsend Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TVO-435 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 32 · Second Class

Conditions

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

Appendix: Source Data